Reflecting on the achievements of Burngreave New Deal

Burngreave New Deal ensured that it employed an array of dedicated individuals that helped to ensure it delivered the most effective service to members of the local and business community

Roy Sinclair is currently the senior administrator for conferencing and events at Sorby House and Vestry Hall, and as a former resident of Burngreave he has witnessed the numerous changes that have been made as a result of the work carried out by Burngreave New Deal.

We asked Roy for a few minutes of his time to ask him to reflect on Burngreave New Deal as it draws to a close in March:

What improvements have you noticed in the Burngreave area thanks to BNDfC?

The general crime rates are down and the area has undergone a facelift, with pleasant green areas. The amount of litter has also been reduced which helps to raise the look and feel of Burngreave, not forgetting the two landmark buildings that have undergone a complete refurbishment and now offer the area a real resource.

What do you feel is the greatest achievement made by the Burngreave New Deal?

I would find it hard to name just one, but I have to say that helping to raise school attainment grades is fantastic.

What improvements could have been made that would have meant more would have been achieved over the last 10 years?

I think the main problem has been financial management and constantly changing staff – no continuity. When good work had been instigated a key figure in the team would leave and then it would be difficult to continue what had begun without them.

Did the Board governing Burngreave New Deal utilise your knowledge of the local area?

At the beginning they did, although it was not as essential in the later years. We employed a good few local members of staff in the early days that ensured that we had a wealth of information at hand.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I have enjoyed meeting and getting to know many people in the diverse community.

Do you have an anecdote that you would care to share with us from your time with Burngreave New Deal?

We had a member of staff who left a bag at one of the Abbeyfield Park festivals whilst we were setting up stalls. This caused a scare because no one knew what it was or what it contained – if I remember rightly the police evacuated the park. Hilarious looking back, but not that funny at the time!

Finally both professionally and personally what do you think the Board could have done to ensure its Burngreave New Deal’s legacy was one of good work, rather than reported financial difficulties?

I’m not sure that anything could have been done to alter the legacy. We have funded some excellent projects over the years, some of which were not documented and therefore residents will not be aware of our involvement. However no matter what we have achieved they will always be overshadowed by anything that didn’t go the way you expected it to.