This is no time to invest in history

Sep 25 2009 Bill Midgley, The Journal

AS a holder of a Master of the Arts degree in British history I suppose that I should be delighted that Seaton Delaval Hall has been 'saved for the nation' and that we will all be able to enjoy and admire what is undoubtedly a magnificent building.

So why am I a little less enthusiastic about that than I should be?. Perhaps it is due to the news of the contribution of £1m made by One North East to ensure that the aquisition of the building is secured. A major investment by any standards, but also made at a time when the need for investment elsewhere may be seen to have a greater demand.

Putting to one side the debate as to whether taxpayers' money should be used to meet death duties, which only leaves the Exchequer in a no gain situation, surely the needs of investment in the people, skills and economy of the North East is of a greater urgency.

In no way do I underestimate the value of tourism to the region and the addition that Seaton Delaval Hall can bring to this but at a time of continuing economic recession, and it would appear, real cuts in public expenditure and services, the timing of the announcement is hard to appreciate.

Many of our young people in the region are finding it increasingly difficult to find employment, a large number of whom who have valuable skiils from which they, or the economy, are unable to benefit. One way of tapping into this could be the provision of business start up units to encourage young entrepreneurs to start their own companies in premises which are fit for purpose and, importantly, are affordable. My own town Whitley Bay has no such units available, or at least none sponsored by the local authority although there are a small number in other parts of North Tyneside. However, a wealthy seaside town with good educational results and a skill base going to waste is seeing little in the way of initiative.

This is not a new issue and I have been pushing my own local authority to address the issue, although, at this stage, with little response. The challenge, however, is across the region and not merely parochial. Some authorities, with assistance from our development agency, are very active in this area yet we need more and can learn from the succesful ventures that have been established.

So that is why I would much rather see that £1m invested in our young people who are the real future of the North East. The development of skills, employment and new wealth that would contribute to a stronger future. Hand-outs of public money to buy old buildings has a place but current priorities have to be elsewhere. However the deed is done and like many others I will be queuing to see with great interest those parts of the building, which we, the taxpayer, own. That is assuming that it will be open on Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holdidays and such other times that are convenient to the general public. But that may be another debate!

Bill Midgley is a North East business executive and former chairman of the British Chambers of Commerce.