Rural Communities uncertain over benefits of an Assembly

Northumberland Today
2nd September
Doubts remain over rural benefits
DESPITE further reassurance, Northumberland's rural community remains unsure of the benefits of a regional assembly.

The North East Rural Affairs Forum met Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford this week to discuss what impact an elected regional assembly would have on the rural economy if voted for in November.The Rural Affairs Forum is made up of representatives of a number of organisations concerned with the rural community from across the whole region, such as the Countryside Agency, the Environment Agency and the National Farmers' Union.

Although the aim of the meeting in Stannington village hall was to air any concerns about an elected regional assembly, it seemed there are still doubts over the benefits for north Northumberland.

While Mr Raynsford responded to the concerns put to him with confidence, it is feared this may change if the assembly is established.

Miles Middleton, chairman of the Regional Affairs Forum, said: "The problem is we voiced our concerns and his answers for all of them were perfectly logical and acceptable. How the elected members deliver once they are in power is the question."

Mr Raynsford said one of the main issues they had been discussing was the development of business and trade within the region.He sees this as one of the 'big issues' of the assembly and said there should be little problem in boosting the business economy in the North East.

He said: "There is a huge advantage in the North East of not just rapidly growing cities, but you have also got wonderful countryside and this is a very positive message for people looking to invest."

To avoid rural areas being left out of decision-making processes if a regional assembly was to go ahead, Mr Raynsford said focus groups will be set up throughout the region to put forward the views of the public.

He said: "We have made a provision for the assembly to have groups as part of their working methods. I talked to the forum today about how important it would be that these groups worked well."

But highlighting Mr Middleton's fears he added that although these groups are a recommended part of the assembly, 'in the end it is up to them to get them'.

Mr Raynsford also hopes the introduction of a regional assembly will boost the tourism industry in the area. He said: "We will be taking positive measures to encourage tourism. A huge number of tourists are coming from Scotland, so there is a huge potential of opportunities. "There are a number of first class tourist attractions in rural Northumberland such as Alnwick Garden, Hadrian's Wall and the national park, so I think there is everything to play for to increase and improve the tourism economy here in the North East as a whole."

Although Mr Raynsford remains positive, Mr Middleton is still unsure of the outcome.

He said: "The people in Northumberland have genuine fears that they will be ignored in the interest of the urban communities."I would like to see more control by central government over the activities of the elected assembly to make sure they deliver their promises."I think their promises are potentially genuine, but I would have liked to have seen some powers retained in Northumberland."

02 September 2004