Following a report in September from the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) which ranked South Tyneside as one of the worst boroughs in the country on their ‘Index of Multiple Deprivation’, for heritage and culture. Emma rejected the findings of the report and invited the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to Tyneside to celebrate its cultural richness.
South Shields has a rich cultural ancient, maritime and industrial heritage such as Arbeia Roman Fort, The Customs House and Souter Lighthouse.
Emma raised the findings of the September report in Parliament and invited the Culture Secretary John Whittingdale MP, and members of the RSA who compiled the report to Tyneside to see for themselves that the borough is anything but culturally deprived.
You can read Emma’s Question and the Minister’s response here.
Speaking afterwards Emma said
“It was disappointing to read another national survey with a negative portrayal of the region. Whilst the report claimed that a low heritage score should not be interpreted as meaning an absence of heritage assets or activities – how else will this be read by anyone who has not visited the region and does not know what a culturally rich and diverse place it is? The Secretary of State said the invite to come and see the sites was an “irresistible offer” so I’ll hold him to that.”
