Sheffield News

Thousands sign petition to allow PhD student continue studies

More than 11,000 people signed a petition calling on the Home Office and the University of Sheffield to allow a PhD student to continue his studies. Ahmed Sedeeq was detained and threatened with deportation by UK border officers on 18 December 2017 but has since been released by the Home Office. Sanaz Raji, of Unis Resist Border Control, accused The University of Sheffield of “colluding with the Home Office” and doing little to support Ahmed following his detention. A University of Sheffield spokesperson told Sheffield Live! “Our student support staff have been in regular contact with both Ahmed and his solicitor since we were made aware of the case some weeks ago, including liaising with his legal advisers over the Christmas period. We have now received confirmation in regards to Ahmed’s immigration status which has enabled us to restore his university registration and continue to support him in resuming his studies at the University”. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Taxi driver raises over 15k for charity

A Sheffield taxi driver has raised £15,600 in memory of a teenager who died of Sudden Death Syndrome. Chris Hudson walked 1400 miles over a year to raise the funds to buy screening equipment for teenagers who are at risk of cardiac arrest. He completed the walk on New Year’s eve. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Train passengers face fare hikes in 2018

Train commuters condemned 2018 rail fire price increases which have been estimated to average 3.4 per cent. The Department of Transport say the price rises are capped in line with inflation and will improve the network but protest have been organised in Sheffield and across the UK. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to train commuters and Sheffield Labour Councillor Ben Miskell.

Accident on Gleadless Road as snow turns to ice

A young driver from Sheffield has escaped unharmed after he lost control of his car and crashed into a tree while driving in icy conditions down Gleadless Road. Police attended the scene this morning and closed the road but it has since re-opened. Simon Ellis, a family friend of the driver, spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh.

Liberians in Sheffield hope for change from new president

Liberian residents in Sheffield say they hope new president elect George Weah will unify the West African country and work with all political parties to end poverty and corruption following recent elections. The former football legend was elected in a presidential run-off on Tuesday, 26 December. Mr Weah defeated his opponent, the incumbent vice president, Joseph Boakai with more than 60 per cent of the vote. Weah will succeed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president, in the country’s first democratic transition of power for more than half a century. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Muslim charity feeds the homeless on Christmas Day

Young people from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Sheffield spent Christmas Day visiting hospitals and feeding the homeless as part of their pledge to help the weak and vulnerable. Volunteers handed out food packages to homeless people and visited Northern General Hospital with gifts such as chocolate and flowers for patients without family members to visit them. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jallor spoke to Saeed Nazir, youth leader for Ahmadiyya Sheffield.

Tenants union protest over eviction

Acorn tenants union mounted a protest outside West One lettings agency over the company’s eviction practices. West One agency said, “As a professional and experienced Landlord we are perfectly aware of both the tenants rights and our rights and whatever the outcome of this matter the tenant can be assured that correct procedures will be followed”. Azz Mohammed spoke to Acorn member Maryam Wright.

Sheffield charity helpline wins national award

Sheffield’s Action charity has won a Helplines Partnership national award for the impact of its Domestic Abuse Service helpline. The helpline, which takes more than 2,500 calls each year from people across the city, is open seven days a week, except bank holidays. Most callers are women, but men also use the helpline and support is also available for non-English speakers. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

The Action Domestic Abusive Service helpline number is 0808 808 2241.