Communities and Local Government written question – answered at on 27 February 2014.
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when Sir Bob Kerslake approved the process by which Hatfield would be considered as a Town Team; and if he will place a copy of the approval in the Library.
holding answer
The Town Team applications were assessed through a process consistent with “Managing Public Money” and the “Consolidated Budgeting Guidance”. In this instance, as Sir Bob Kerslake set out in a letter to the right hon. Member on
It is very disappointing that the right hon. Member continually wishes to knock and snipe at the Hatfield Town Team. It was a very deserving bid and it has gone from strength to strength since its award.
I understand that the Portas Pilot win was a catalyst for increasing participation in arts and culture in the town, and helped secure additional funding from the Arts Council and the Royal Opera House Bridge to support arts and cultural activities in the town.
They have replaced their market stalls with new ones for their weekly and farmers markets, and also now use them as marquees for various initiative and events.
They have created a town shop as the Hatfield Hub, helping them become runner-up in the Association of Town Centre Management's Town Team Review of the Year. The Town Team is focusing now on increasing footfall into the town by supporting local businesses in terms of business advice, mentoring and training.
They are also working on a better signage project as a result of the Portas Pilot, and have a bus map project working with Herefordshire University's Centre for Sustainable Communities.
They also have a new town website at as a result of winning, which further outlines their continuing good work:
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