A petition to open up council decision making has been launched by local democracy campaigners at a gathering hosted at Sheffield Town Hall by Lord Mayor of Sheffield Majid Majid. The campaign, under the banner “It’s Our City” seeks to replace Sheffield Council’s “strong leader” model of cabinet decision making with a new committee system. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield Business and Improvement District has launched the BID Spring Clean, its annual campaign to tackle graffiti and litter in the city centre. Led by the Sheffield BID rangers, volunteers including members of the council met up in the rain to launch the six week campaign. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Diane Jarvis, Sheffield Bid manager.
The Sheffield Branch of the Women’s Equality Party are campaigning to gain a council seat in Walkley in the upcoming local elections. It will be the second time the party has fielded a candidate in Sheffield after contesting the Southey by-election in 2017. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Women’s Equality Party candidate Ann Butler.
Councillor Bryan Lodge, cabinet member for the environment, has defended Sheffield Council’s decision to serve legal notice on 17 tree campaigners including Green Party councillor Alison Teal. Lodge said the council had no other option but to take legal action to prevent protesters delaying the tree felling work. He claimed trespassing across temporary work barriers had the safety of protesters and Amey workers at risk. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The chair of Gleadless Valley Tenants and Residents Association has challenged Sheffield Council to prove that cladding installed on the six high rise tower blocks at Callow Mount is safe and different to the cladding installed at Grenfell Tower in London. Sally Dale, chair of Gleadless Valley TARA warned that residents are nervous and would like written evidence to prove their buildings are safe. Councillor Jayne Dunn has said checks are being carried out by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
A group of homeless people living in tents near Park Hill flats have been evicted by Sheffield Council after organisers were told to clear the site. The informal camping site for the homeless started in October last year and became known as Tent City. The site was closed down a few weeks later by organisers after the local authority stepped in to offer support for the homeless occupants. After tents reappeared in December the Council told organisers to clear the site or face a £2,000 fine. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Tent City organiser and homelessness campaigner Anthony Cunningham.
Councillor Bryan Lodge, Cabinet Member for Environment has defended Sheffield Council’s controversial tree removal policy at this week’s council meeting. The programme has led to resident protests and has been criticised by tree management specialists. Barrell Tree Consultancy’s managing director, Jeremy Barrell, said: “From a health and safety point of view they are fine – none of them need to come out. We have to make sure this doesn’t happen anywhere else”. Sham Powell reports for Sheffield Live!
A loophole in the law has allowed over seven hundred Sheffield taxi drivers to operate with licences issued by councils hundreds of miles away. Over four hundred of the licences were issued in Rossendale, Lancashire. The news has sparked concerns over safety and welfare. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke with taxi driver and GMB Sheffield union representative, Ibrar Hussain.
Sheffield has become the first city in the country to introduce a new approach providing alternatives to high-cost credit and door step loan companies. This follows the Sheffield Fairness Commission’s plans to help the city’s residents trapped using high-cost credit. ‘Sheffield Money’ opened today on Cambridge Street, and will operate as a not for profit broker service. It’s been set up by a partnership, led by the Sheffield Executive Board, and supported by Sheffield City Council. I went along, and spoke to Leader of the council, Julie Dore.