Only 42% in WN have basic skills
FOUR out of ten people living in West Norfolk have basic skills levels or less, according to a report setting out visions to make the borough a more sustainable community.
It says nearly half the working population lacks skills equivalent to GCSE grades A-C and that raising skills and aspirations are the area's "biggest challenge".
The report, part of West Norfolk's Sustainable Community Strategy, says the borough is one of the poorest performers industrially in Norfolk, with 42 per cent of the population functioning at basic skills level, measured by NVQ or GCSEs, or below.
It says deprivation and isolation are also a real issue in Lynn and more rural areas, with West Norfolk ranking 21st in the country for inequality, while Fairstead is in the bottom three per cent of the most deprived areas.
The report has been written by the West Norfolk Partnership and is due to be discussed by the borough council's cabinet today.
Its aim is to set out a common vision between various partner agencies for the area to tackle social, economic and environmental problems its research has highlighted.
It states: "One of the most telling statistics is that 42 per cent of the resident population is functioning at basic skills level or below.
"Our nearest neighbour, based on our overall skills profile, is Hull.
"There is a real need to improve the local skills base to help drive up what is a relatively low-wage economy."
It says there are many opportunities in the area, including developing education with a new College of West Anglia campus which could host a university.
It also wants to promote the Nar Ouse Regeneration Area (NORA) as an example of sustainable regeneration, improve Lynn town centre and add new facilities such as a new swimming pool and improve rail links to London.
It also pointed out good points in West Norfolk such as low levels of crime and traffic congestion, above-average life expectancy, strong agricultural and manufacturing sectors, reasonable affordable housing and a good standard of local services
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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