Region builds on firm foundations

Building upon the foundations laid by the last Tory administration, the centres of Sheffield, Leeds and Hull, for example, are now

unrecognisable compared to a decade ago, and in spite of the recession slowing the pace of change.

Yet, despite this, there are still many eyesores that need to be given a new lease of life and Yorkshire Forward's financial commitment to the transformation of Huddersfield Waterfront is another part of this exhaustive process.

In complementing existing plans for the construction of a new college campus and the reopening of another section of canal, this stimulus package will help to kickstart the regeneration plan and help to create jobs in an area that continues to be blighted by above-average levels of unemployment.

Inevitably, so close to an election, there was a political dimension to yesterday's announcement. It was one of a series of schemes used by Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, to demonstrate Labour's commitment to regional development agencies, like Yorkshire Forward, and how the Government still has the scope – despite a record budget deficit that is growing by the minute – to create jobs and new opportunities.

At face value, it is a strong argument – based on the record of the past 13 years. As such, it's up to those, who question the value of the RDAs in these challenging times, to demonstrate how their policies will be even more effective in such challenging circumstances.

However, as Lord Mandelson knows all too well, the public sector cannot be relied upon to do everything. What is needed are the economic conditions, and incentives, to kickstart private enterprise so it, too, can resume its role in transforming brownfield sites, with the help, where appropriate, of facilitators like Yorkshire Forward.