Doncaster Borough has a population of around 290,000 (2006 estimate) and covers some 224 square miles. The borough includes the town of Doncaster (population 129,000), and a number of former mining settlements such as Thorne, Bentley and Rossington.
The area was hard hit by the decline of coal mining, which resulted in pockets of unemployment and derelict land. However in April 2007 Hatfield colliery near Thorne reopened after 13 years, creating some 250 jobs.
Traditional manufacturing industries such as heavy engineering and textiles, once large employers, have declined significantly. This has been partly offset by the creation of a substantial number of jobs in new call centres in the town and in the Dearne Valley. The opening of the new Robin Hood Doncaster/Sheffield Airport at Finningley in April 2005 has also brought new jobs.
Road links are good; Doncaster is on the AI (M), the M18 and M180 pass through the Borough and the M1 and M62 are close by. Intercity rail links are excellent; Doncaster is on the East Coast main line and there is a 24-hour rail service to Manchester Airport.
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