Rising deprivation levels in county cause concern

Feb 15 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

A DEPRIVATION study has revealed the number of disadvantaged areas in Cheshire is on the increase.

Figures released by Chester County Council show Lache Park remains the most deprived area in the county and appears to be getting worse.

The area is ranked 363 nationally, rising 47 places from its 2004 position.

The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) is a national deprivation study. There are a total of 32,482 such areas in England and 442 in Cheshire. Nine areas of Chester are within the 20% most deprived areas in England, with eight of those appearing higher in the list than in the last study.

Cheshire now has 44 areas falling within the top 20% – five more than when the study was last carried out.

Arthur Harada (Conservative), councillor for Lache Park, said: “We are making as much use as possible of the £1.6m given to Lache Neighbourhood Management to make improvements.

“We have been trying to encourage people to remain healthy by promoting healthy eating and giving up smoking, and we are always keen to ensure that Lache residents live in a safe community with safety wardens on patrol.

“Of course, it is up to this Government to encourage companies to come to Chester to provide employment opportunities as well.”

Of those areas in the top 20% most deprived section just two, both in South Blacon, have shown an improvement since the last study.

But councillors from Blacon Lodge, which encompasses much of South Blacon, were concerned that the figures will cause more problems by creating a stigma.

But they are convinced that much can be done to solve these issues.

Cllr Reggie Jones (Labour) said: “Neighbourhood management has been very effective and we plan to get services to go together in a way that improves the situation.

“As a city councillor, I know that the quality of life is being improved for the people of Blacon as a result.

“But there is still much to be done and from a government point of view we need to do more to make sure that the gap between the affluent and not so affluent areas is reduced.”