Working together for an extraordinary future

02 JULY 2002

Extraordinary past. Ordinary present. Extraordinary future? This is the key storyline of the South Tyneside Transformation Commission which urges us all to imagine what can be achieved for our community, by our community, through action by each and every one of us. The final report has given all of us, neighbourhoods, businesses, citizens and politicians alike, a guide to what is possible. Now it is up to us.

Our attention needs to turn to the many pressing needs of our young people who are the future of the Borough. We need to be more imaginative about what is built in South Tyneside and how we do it so that we improve the quality of life for everyone. The strong and proud cultural history of the Borough needs to be better exploited and given a national profile.

Our river is underused and it would be a crime not to exploit the potential it has for regenerating the Borough. There are difficult obstacles to get over to try and make the most of our town centres but these are not insurmountable. Environmental development needs to be thought through carefully but South Tyneside could really benefit from the growth of environment businesses that is starting to take root in the rest of the country. Our community organisations, trade unions, charities and co-operatives that have served the Borough so well and have been vital to its survival during recent years, are key to creating a new culture of social enterprise. Finally, but by no means least, our ageing communities must not be neglected and they have got wealth of experience that is priceless for the future.

What does this mean for our community if we want to make it happen? A real change of attitude about what we are capable of is key and it is very encouraging that this is realised in the final report. This isn't to say that we just ignore our history and values. We can take the best of our history that will give us the courage and determination to move forward. And a willingness to change and learn is vital across different groups, politicians included!

Working together, learning from each other, challenging each other is going to be key to transforming South Tyneside, not only because it is in our self-interest to do so, but because we have a duty to each other as members of the Borough. It is important now that we make early progress on key items: the partnership with a university, the development of retailing, facilities for old and young.

We live in a world where countries and neighbourhoods increasingly feel affected by the decisions of others we have never met and never will. The closure of Viasystems is painful testimony to that. But Isolation and keeping heads down is not and option. The spirit of resilience that is ingrained in South Tyneside and served it well in the face of economic hardship is also testimony to what can be achieved when communities work together.

Once in a generation an opportunity comes along that makes it possible for us to change things and ensure the future turns out for the better. For South Tyneside, that opportunity is now. It won't be done in a year, two, even three. But the chance is here - the future is for the taking.

The launch of the transformation plan was a humbling moment. The energy of 200 people squeezed into Bede's World was special. We all believe the future can be better than the past. We are all ready to make it so. Join us!