Campaign proposed to boost town's 'civic pride'

A campaign to boost civic pride and celebrate community heroes through a week-long event has been proposed.

Liberal Democrats councillors in Rotherham are proposing a Pride Week and local awards and neighbourhood projects to showcase the borough at its best.

Supporters said the plans would highlight the work of local people, community groups and businesses while helping challenge negative perceptions that continued to overshadow the area's progress.

Councillor Adam Carter, who proposed the motion, said: "Real pride isn't found in scapegoating or hostility; it is found in the everyday actions of ordinary people who step up for others."

The proposal, called Let's Have Pride in Rotherham, has been put forward by Liberal Democrats councillors Carter and Drew Tarmey ahead of a meeting on Wednesday.

It argued that negative descriptions of communities overlooked the work being carried out every day by residents, volunteers, businesses and community organisations.

If approved, it could see history walks, cultural events, school projects and community clean-ups being organised across the borough.

The plans would also expand the Community Champions scheme, with residents encouraged to nominate people who have gone above and beyond for their communities.

Tarmey said some residents were more likely to tell people they lived in Sheffield rather than Rotherham as the borough had been shaped by long-term deprivation and had been the focus of national attention following the child sexual exploitation scandal.

The town was also at the centre of violent scenes in August 2024, when a riot broke out in Manvers.

Tarmey said the proposal was about building on positive work taking place across Rotherham and celebrating it to help residents feel more connected to the borough and encourage a stronger sense of local identity.

He highlighted volunteers running food banks and community fridges, Scout and Guide groups, litter-picking teams, parish councils and organisations supporting vulnerable adults and children as examples.

He said the proposal was about "reclaiming our civic identity" and celebrating the people who made Rotherham a "wonderful place to call home".

Labour council leader Chris Read said the authority took "every opportunity to encourage local people to come together and celebrate the good things".

He said the council held events such as the Rotherham Day, which took place in the summer, and the long-running volunteer awards organised by Voluntary Action Rotherham.

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