Working together on a brighter outlook for Yorke Drive
Residents and councillors say they want a £1m funding award to build on the momentum of improvements they have been making on a deprived ward in Newark.
The money — awarded to Newark and Sherwood District Council from central government — will be used for detailed appraisals and technical studies of the Yorke Drive estate and Lincoln Road Playing Fields ahead of a possible regeneration of the area.
Gill Dawn, district councillor, said: “There is a lot going on and we are going to keep this momentum going.”
A group of women residents who formed an action group to provide entertainment for youngsters on the estate have also backed plans for improvements.
Jo Smalley, who helped set up Yorke Drive Life, said another entrance or exit to the estate would help as there was currently just one.
“It might mean we lost some of the field, but we think it is needed,” she said.
“The other problem is the number of boy racers we get along the drive, so maybe some kind of deterrent is needed.
“There is nothing here for the children to do apart from the fun days we organise or SureStart, which is aimed at younger children.”
"I wanted to bring more entertainment for children to the estate."
Yorke Drive Life held several fun days last year, including at Christmas and Halloween. It will be hosting another in August.
Jo Smalley said: “I was asked to join a street-clean a few years ago, but instead I set up Yorke Drive Life.
“I wanted to bring more entertainment for children to the estate. We had a lot of support for the fun days.
“Residents and some businesses donated items for a tombola because we are not a registered charity and we don’t get grants or anything like that.”
In 2012 the Bridge Ward Neighbourhood Study by the council and partners identified the potential for new housing on the playing fields, accompanied by a regeneration programme for the neighbouring Yorke Drive estate.
The funding, awarded through the national Estate Regeneration Fund, came after district council officers worked with the Department for Communities and Local Government.
Mrs Dawn and Irene Browne, who represent the area on the district council, said they would work with residents and those preparing the appraisals.
Mrs Dawn agreed the money could be spent on improving Yorke Drive to find a solution to stop drivers from speeding.
She said: “You often see boy racers using the road like it is a track.
“The money is good news for the estate because improvements are needed, such as to the roads.
“We are mostly successful in delivering things the residents have asked for — the resurfacing on Yorke Drive being the main one.
“We had new wifi installed at the Bridge Community Centre and we will be opening a computer room soon for residents.”