Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley East, has shown her support for The Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the vital work they do to restore former coalfields communities: improving health, providing employment support, and boosting skills for local people.

If you were to combine all of the former coalfields across England, Wales and Scotland, including Barnsley, it would be the most deprived region in the UK.

As a result, alongside their support services and skills training, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is working to create a dedicated investment fund for former coal mining areas.

Ms Peacock commented:

‘Barnsley Council has been subject to some of the most severe Government cuts in the country, losing 40% of its income in the last decade.

This is just one of many reasons why the work of The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is so important. They fight for our community to be listened to and given the support it deserves.

‘Towns like Barnsley deserve good job opportunities, decent skills training, and properly funded services that are here to stay long term.’