23 February 2009 - Cabinet Member Visits Rowner

Yvette Cooper MP and Chief Secretary to the Treasury honoured Rowner with an official visit this afternoon following a cabinet meeting earlier in the day in Southampton.

Ms Cooper was told about the problems of the estate in 2005 as part of the making of a Panorama programme During filming she got to hear of local resident Mark Ince, the father of Kurt who was also featured on the programme The programme focused on “postcode poverty” and asked whether the government could fulfil its goal of ending this within two decades.

Today Mark Ince with his younger daughter, Faith (2) met with Yvette Cooper to tell her about his views now, the progress made and the future plans for Rowner.

The minister also visited SureStart, the Rowner Access Point, a flat within the Precinct and met with the Rowner Renewal Partnership viewing their impressive plans which detailed the £145 million regeneration project for the area over eight years.

Back in 2005 Ms Cooper was Minister for Housing and Planning and she said on the Panorama programme:
“We have seen regional inequalities, unfair gaps between districts throughout our history, but it's not fair, and it's not fair if people's chance of getting a good education depends on where they live, it's not fair if people's chance of poor health depends one where they live, and that's why I think we have to try and turn those inequalities, those disadvantages around for the next generation.

“… What I do think the government must do, however, is to make sure there are opportunities in every area. That means opportunities to get new qualifications, to get new skills or training, and find different jobs, it means opportunities for childcare, and opportunities for support for the family too. We are expanding those opportunities. We've still got further to go, but we have already provided more support for those families, and we've got to do more.”

Seeing the Rowner regeneration plans for herself today and meeting local residents, members of the Partnership, SureStart and Rowner Access Point, Ms Cooper welcomed the major improvements and work underway to help local families and improve the estate.

Yvette Cooper said:
“It’s great to see the new investment plans for the area SureStart has already made a real difference for local families, but now we need to see much better housing for families to improve people’s chances in life.”

The Rowner Renewal Partnership which is a unique combination of public and private finance and expertise comprises Gosport Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Homes & Communities Agency, Portsmouth Housing Association and Taylor Wimpey Ltd.

The vision of the Partnership is to regenerate the Rowner area by providing high quality, environmentally sustainable homes and facilities It will continue to work closely with local residents and community groups to deliver new homes, job opportunities and community benefits.

Mark Ince together with his wife Rachel, Kurt who is in his final year at Siskin Junior School and young sister Faith have been keen supporters of the Rowner Renewal Project and have all participated in the public consultation phase.

Mark said:
“It was great to see the minister again and know that in the past four years so much positive change has happened with SureStart, The Youthy and Siskin Schools I also know that this will continue to happen in the future My neighbours and my family are looking forward to the start of the new homes and a complete regeneration of the area and facilities.”