ELMTON AND CRESWELL COMMUNITY PROFILE
Elmton and Creswell Big Local
Approved by Big Local Action Group
Written by Community Voluntary Partners
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May 2014
Big Local is lottery money coming into the community in areas that need
investment. A percentage of each lottery ticket bought is given to a charitable
trust and it is this money that is being used to fund the Big Local Programme. Up
to 200 communities will each receive £1 million, communities have up to ten
years to spend the money and Creswell is one of these communities.
The aim is for local people to make their communities better places to live in, now
and in the future.
Individual members within the Big Local Action Group have been asking people
their views about the area, what they like and what they would like to improve
about the area. The group has done this informally as well as formally.
The people who live in Elmton and Creswell decide via the Elmton and Creswell
Big Local Action Group. They will write a local plan which will be based on the
ideas of local people. Once the plan is agreed with the Big Local Trust, the
Partnership can start to spend the money on the plans priorities.
If you would like to know more or get involved please contact:
Alister Shaw, Big Local Rep on 07768008527 or email [email protected]
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An aerial view of Creswell
Creswell is one of the largest villages in the district with a population of
approximately 5,000 inhabitants. It shares it's parish with a smaller but much
older village called Elmton which was recorded in the Domesday Book.
In 1854 The Duke of Portland acquired the Rodes Estate in the area; this led to the
significant development of Creswell, especially in 1875 when the Midland Railway
was constructed and 1897 when coal mining began.
The miners needed somewhere to live, so the Model Village was built with these
houses in an elongated octagon plan around the central green.
In addition to houses the Model Village included a Co-operative Store, the Miners
Institute and recreational facilities which included a Cricket Pitch Tennis Courts
and Garden allotments.
There were many shops all around the village but the main ones were on Elmton
Rd and Sheffield Rd. You could buy all day to day living items from shops like fish
from the fishmongers, bread from the bakers and meat from the butchers.
There were also many specialist shops where you could buy things, such as
furniture, children’s toys, Haberdashery and men and women's outfitters. All the
shops on Sheffield Rd are now houses, and though most of the shops on Elmton
Rd are now closed, a lot of the buildings still retain most of their original features.
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The Social Centre was built on land given by the Duke of Portland; it was built by
the Bolsover Colliery Company as a Village Hall in 1907. During the First World
War (1914-18) it served as a hospital for the forces.
Creswell Church was erected by the 6th Duke of Portland. Work began in 1899
and was opened in 1900. The side aisles were added in 1913 and in 1927 the
Tower was built by public subscription. In 1924 the swimming pool was built,
followed by the Social Centre for the Boy’s Brigade.
At Elmton a church has stood in the grounds for approximately 1,000 years and
was first mentioned in 1086. Another church was built in 1550 but this fell into
disrepair and the existing church was built in 1771.
This is only a brief history; there is a lot more that can be said about these and
many more buildings in the village.
Did you know?
Creswell used to be spelled with two ‘Ss’. When it was first built the
post was going to another Cresswell so the name had to change!
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A photo of Creswell Crags on the river Poulter
Creswell Crags is one of Britain's most important archaeological and geological
sites. It has been put forward as a potential World Heritage Site because of its
significance as one of the most northerly places on earth to have been visited by
humans during the last Ice Age and because of the richness, quality and quantity
of the paleontological and archaeological collections. The collections illustrate
human occupation from around 50,000 years ago when Neanderthals visited the
gorge through to the arrival of modern humans 30,000 years ago.
Evidence shows woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, hyena and reindeer all
roamed the gorge. It also has Ice Age Rock Art, essentially the oldest art in Britain.
It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Scheduled Ancient Monument,
forming part of the Grade II listed landscape park of Welbeck Abbey and is being
considered by English Nature for designation as a National Nature Reserve. In
addition to its scientific importance, the site is of national and international
importance as an educational and interpretative resource.
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The pit opened in 1895 and this is when the village was created. People came
from all across the county to work at the pit, but prior to this Elmton with
Creswell was a farming hamlet. The Schools were built in 1874 and the church
followed soon after in 1900. The model village was built to meet housing
demands because of the increase in population from mining families and was
given a 99 year lease. Some of the houses on Elmton Road were built in 1910. The
pit closed in 1991.
Did you know?
Elmton was so named because of the many elm trees in the village.
Bandstand on Creswell Model Village Green
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Elmton and Creswell Village Company (ECVC) is a Charitable Company working for
the regeneration of this former mining community and locality. The village
company owns two buildings on Elmton Road, Creswell Limestone Studio and
Limestone House.
Limestone Studio was purchased through funding in 2001 having formerly been
the Westminster Bank. The building was initially named the Creswell Resource
Point. In 2009 it was developed into a Computer and Media Centre and became
the Limestone Studio. It can be booked out for rehearsal space and recordings.
Elmton Rd is the Main Road in Creswell and for many years this road was blighted
by two burnt out shops. The fish and chip shop at 52 Elmton Rd had caught fire
and both 52 and 50 Elmton Rd were burnt out. Number 54 was Karen’s clothes
shop which had been subjected to 2 robberies. Elmton & Creswell Village
Company purchased these 3 buildings in 2004, through funding, and had them
restored into the Limestone House Community Centre, which is also the
headquarters of the Elmton & Creswell Village Company.
50-54 Elmton Road before restoration in 2004
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Limestone House is a Community Centre, Heritage Centre, Charity shop and Café
all under one roof. The Heritage Centre depicts the ages from the Ice Age to the
Mining era. Elmton with Creswell Local History group provides displays of the past
and their books are for sale within the centre. A variety of community activity
operates from Limestone House - including a luncheon club, drop in job club and
advice sessions from Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre.
The charity shop provides low cost second hand clothing and a huge variety of
books. This raises income for the sustainability of the Centre enabling the
community work to continue.
The "Reach out and Bring In" luncheon club which meets at Limestone House
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Parish Council
The Parish Council employ 6 members of staff to maintain the appearance of the
village. They also employ 3 members of staff in their office. Creswell Social Club is
managed by the Council and has a wide variety of user groups throughout the
week. When it is not being booked out for regular users it can be hired for discos
and occasions and is a popular venue of choice both locally and further afield.
Creswell social centre
Elmton with Creswell is based in the Bolsover North Electoral division. The area is
one of the most deprived areas within the County and is the fifth highest ranking
within Bolsover District. Bolsover North has higher levels of crime,
unemployment, child poverty and those who are eligible and claiming free school
meals than the Derbyshire average.
At present there is no food bank in Elmton with Creswell however we know that
the local Childrens Centre are supporting local families by providing food parcels
for those most in need.
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The population of Elmton-with-Creswell at the 2001 Census was 5,447. This rose
to 6,213 in the 2011 Census – which was the second largest increase across the
district. Of the total population 61.3% are of working age. 12.0% of residents are
pensioners living alone.
37.6% of households were deemed to be deprived – the sixth highest across the
district.
26.1% of households are without a car, which is an improvement from 31.6% in
2001.
The ward has received £7,794,573 in funding in recent years from a number of
sources.
Of the total ward population, 61.5% are economically active and in employment.
Employment within the “Elementary Occupations” category is highest at 11.8 %,the highest across the district in this sector, and the lowest at 6.8% are employed
within the “Professionals” category.
As at December 2013, Elmton-with-Creswell’s number of total benefit claimants
stood at 4.2%, the district average is 2.6%. Youth unemployment is 9.0%
compared to the derbyshire figure of 6.0% and nationally 5.6%
The percentage of residents with no qualifications in the ward is 29.1%, whilst the
number with higher level qualifications is 11.8%. This is a marked improvement
from 2001.
35.8% of adults are living with a limiting long term health condition – the fifth
highest across the district.
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For the period June 2012 to July 2013 Elmton-with-Creswell saw reductions in
some crime types but saw increases in non domestic burglary (third highest across
the district) and thefts from vehicles.
Elmton with Creswell is within the Bolsover North Electoral division. This area has
28.7% of children living in poverty compared to the County average of 16.7% and
the National average of 24.8%. 21.9% of people are living in fuel poverty significantly higher than the national figure of 16.4%. We know from the statistics
that there is real poverty in the area however when we asked people what would
make life better for them they did not refer to being in financial hardship or
having difficulty feeding themselves/their families.
Early death from Cancer is 138. compared to the derbyshire figure of 106.8 and
the national figure of 108.4. Life expectancy for both males and females is
significantly lower than the county and national figures.
There are two surgeries within the village - Creswell Primary Care Centre based on
Welbeck Street and the Crags Health Centre on Elmton Road
Whilst only ten minutes from the M1 by car transport is limited. The 77 bus
operated by Stagecoach runs half hourly between Worksop and Chesterfield (a
large market town) and after 6.00pm this reverts to an hourly service. On
Sundays the service operates hourly. This route covers a large area and at peak
times the journey to Chesterfield can take over an hour. The service is generally
reliable.
A train which passes through Creswell operates hourly service Monday to
Saturday and goes from Worksop to Nottingham passing through Mansfield.
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For Elmton residents there is no public transport available. Residents have to
either walk to Creswell or rely on private means ie car or bicycle.
Residents of Creswell can reach more destinations by travelling to Clowne,
Worksop or Chesterfield where a number of bus routes can be accessed but this is
very time consuming. For example to reach Bolsover which is a mere four miles
from Creswell can take over two hours as the linking bus from Clowne is a two
hourly service.
Clowne Community Transport - www.clownect.org.uk provides an important
service for groups of people who are unable to use public transport. They also
have a volunteer car driver scheme to support people to get to hospital and other
appointments.
Local groups within Creswell include:
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Knitting club based at Limestone House
History group based at Creswell Social Centre
Wildlife club based at Limestone House
Self Help group based at Creswell Social Centre
Creswell Cricket Club
Disco Divas based at Creswell Social Centre
Karate based at Creswell Social Centre
Tai Chi based at Creswell Social Centre
Sewing club based at Creswell Social Centre
Table Tennis based at Creswell Social Centre
Creswell Dance group based at Creswell Social Centre
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We have talked to as many Elmton and Creswell residents as we could during the
past year. We have spoken to people from all generations asking them what they
like about living here and what they would like to improve about the area.
 We have been to several events and have collected information from
people within community groups and at places such as Limestone House.
 In December 2013 a Christmas family disco took place to engage with
families in Elmton and Creswell and invite them to be involved in Big Local.
 A visioning event took place in March 2014 to encourage the wider
community to tell us their hopes, dreams and aspirations for Elmton and
Creswell.
 On the same day as the visioning event the Big Local events group
organised a family disco with a free prize draw encouraging people to have
their say about the area.
Residents have a clear identity about the importance and history of where they
live. Many residents feel a strong sense of pride in the mining heritage. Locals are
also proud of Creswell Crags.
There is a strong sense of community and many people report feeling that the
village is friendly and that they feel safe living in the area.
Residents report that they have many local amenities including the library, leisure
centre and the Crags. This was identified both through the completion of the big
local free prize draw leaflets and the visioning day.
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Local Amenities
Transport
Rural Location
Community Spirit
24%
10%
60%
6%
Local Economy
8%
Environment
29%
Local
Amenities*
63%
*including parks
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Developing
local amenities
40%
Environmental
Improvement
30%
Improving the
local economy
30%
Through events, through the prize draw and from having the big conversation
many people reported a lack of community spirit. There is so much going on in
the village but often it exists in silos. Despite people feeling safe where they live,
being proud of the mining heritage in the area and feeling that Elmton and
Creswell is friendly, individuals report a lack of community spirit. Many
individuals, including younger people who may have heard stories from
parents/grandparents, referred back to a bygone era where the community
joined together to create events and celebrate the village.
The Big Local Action Group decided (April 2014) that this should therefore be the
focus and main priority for improvement. It is hoped that Big Local will be one
mechanism for bringing together the community to increase community spirit.
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Therefore the overall main topic for improvement is:
 Increasing community spirit by providing opportunities to bring
people together.
Three other topics for Improvement came up frequently when we
asked people what they would like to improve:
 Environmental Improvements - for example making the shopping area
more attractive, improving play areas and more street lighting. It is to
hoped that this (and the other priorities) will also improve the reputation of
the village to reflect the reality that it is a safe and desirable place to live.
 Improving the Local Economy - exploring the uniqueness of the Crags and
developing tourism opportunities that will over time provide job
opportunities. Encouraging new businesses into the area - meeting gaps in
current provisions on the high street
 Increased Leisure Activities - particularly for children and young people.
This is about the range of activities available as well as the open hours and
availability of some activities.
Through making environmental improvements and working towards providing
local job opportunities the area will begin to feel regenerated. Parks came up
frequently as an area for improvement.
Interestingly many people reported a good amount of amenities but felt that they
were not always open and accessible at the right times.
Several people both within the Big Local Action Group and individuals consulted
through the visioning event/free prize draw activities have commented on the
potential connection with tourists who are coming into the crags. This could be
explored as a way of increasing job opportunities in the village.
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Although we know that there are many people in the area who may be struggling
to pay bills and feed themselves and their families – this did not get identified
through the process of the big conversation. One reason for this could be that
people who engaged are not the people who need support. Another could be an
inability to be honest about personal challenges. It is hoped that making life
improvements and increasing aspirations may come out as themes at a later stage
in the Big Local process.
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Jobs with apprenticeships for village teenagers
Activities for teenagers (x2)
Most shops in use
Facilities still open
Station hotel made better
Chapel knocked down or made in use
Housing done up (unemployed/teenage people to do this to teach them
skills)
Jobs (x4)
More affordable housing
Raise peoples & youngsters aspirations
More employers in the community
Continued community spirit
Housing
More visitors to the village
Improved transport infrastructure
Improved health & well being
More activities for families & older folk
Community working together
Improved economic prospects – small businesses etc. benefitting from links
with the crags
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 5 Years – design & develop projects based on actual need and link to
projects in a logical & sustainable way
 10 Years – Manage & maintain the wins which been made in years 1 - 10
 We could work with residents to improve Health & Support healthier
lifestyles – Tell our patients what’s happening
 Can help with Retweets on Twitter for local group promoting via above
message
 Spread the good work that is currently being done by the few
 Find a way to connect with the people who are filling in forms & leaving
comments
 Kept informed
 Join the action group
 E Crags can be used for storage of data & supporting any developments etc.
as a venue for events
 Transport groups of young and elderly to days out if possible, help with
getting to meetings/groups
 Join in the debate with big local so that ideas can be put into action
 Tell people what big local has to offer for the village and take action
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Local Sports clubs for children
Skate parks made & BMX track (x2)
More Dog bins
Help for small shops
More things for 20+ without kids to do
Easier access to computers for job applications & benefit applications etc.
More for children to do to keep of streets
Need a butcher
Opportunities for employment
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Opportunities for training for those out of work
Tourism – Bring in visitors to help the village economy
More signs around crags to keep dogs on leads
Bus to Mansfield
Health Centres improved
Safer to walk the streets
Better regular public transport
Dog mess cleaned (x4)
Improve shops visual appearance including station hotel and old church
across from co-op
Play area for kids (x2)
Basketball courts
More small shops like co-op and spa maybe a freezer shop
Improve atmosphere of village
Plant trees and improve the streets
More help for the elderly to be able to socialise safely
Newsletter about Creswell events & thing going on
Contacts of local people
Stop the young people from messing and scaring the elderly
Lack of information about events
More activities for families – weekend events
Activities for youngsters (drama & dance? Film making?)
Bus to Bolsover
Improve station approach
Better Health
Improved cheaper shops
Less takeaways – access to butcher & veg shop
More like it used to be
Clean up the area
 Big local
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The facilities of the leisure centre and social club
Community Groups
Close friendships between the groups
Village community centres
Friendly atmosphere
Always various activities in the village for all age groups
Creswell Crags (x5)
Limestone House (x3)
Friendly people & community spirit (x5)
Good facilities (x2)
Swimming Baths (x6)
Always friendly
Library
Good communications
Schools (x2)
Quiet
Good places to walk & cycle
The family history class
Nice People (x2)
Self-help group
Transport bus & train (x3)
Countryside
Sense of place – understanding of the history of the area
Social Centre
Sports facilities
Clubs for youth & elderly
Its small
Impressed by council trying to make the village pretty through the summer
period
 Small local community, very friendly, Feel safe living there
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Better bus service
A job in the local community
Trains on Sunday between Worksop & Notts (x3)
Accessible transport for all
More posters about events happening
More dog bins (x2)
C.C.T.V (x2)
More street lights (x2)
Film Shows in village
Fun fairs
More policing (x2)
Better communication about activities in the village (x2)
Better Play area i.e. more equipment
Provide a local bus service & connect with potential tourists input into the
village
Sports Club
Improved links with the crags – always nice to see local visitors on site
Local butcher/veg shops
Library open more hours
Make proper paths in cemetery on Skinner Street (dreadful walking to
graves in winter with all the mud)
Later train from Nottingham so can see plays, films etc.
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