VINCE Cable has backed plans to boost the economic prospects of large estates in Nottingham North after admitting the city had "serious problems" with employment.
The business secretary visited New College Nottingham's Basford Hall site yesterday to take part in The Rebalancing Project conference, headed by MP Graham Allen.
The idea behind the scheme is to help all youngsters in deprived suburbs of the city – namely Bulwell, Aspley and Basford – become "work ready" through education and bring more jobs and prosperity to the areas as a result.
Mr Cable told the Post: "Nottingham in a way has got a problem because its image is too good. When people think of a problem city they think of Liverpool, Middlesborough or Hull. Nobody thinks of Nottingham because it is green and pleasant.
"But it clearly does have serious problems; that's the point your MP has been explaining to me and why he persuaded me to come here and try to get under the surface to see what we can do to help."
Mr Allen said that the loss of the mining industry, Raleigh and Imperial Tobacco had hit the city hard, but by public and private organisations working together, the issues could be tackled.
He said: "We still have what were fantastically bold ideas when people pulled together in the 20s, 30s and 40s to build estates in the outer city, brilliantly designed brick-built houses with gardens front and back. They were the new garden city come to Nottingham and what a bold and tremendous vision that was.
"What we need to do today is somehow recapture that spirit. We haven't got green fields anymore but what is it we are going to do to make sure that the sons and daughters of those miners, textile workers, have a future?"
Yesterday's conference brought together organisations ranging from the Local Enterprise Partnership through to Confetti to create a business plan by the end of the day to be taken to Government.
David Ralph, chief executive of D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, said announcements could be made as early as September on how the project will go ahead.
He said: "This has all-party support, which was demonstrated at the event, and is a key component in making this a success. We fully support the proposals being developed."
