Sheffield News

Hillsborough report calls for new approach to public tragedy

A landmark report into the experiences of the Hillsborough families calls for efforts to end to what it described as the “burning injustice” faced by those hit by public tragedy. The report produced by Bishop James Jones, who chaired the Independent Panel into the Hillsborough tragedy, calls for changes to the inquest process and supports proposals for a “Hillsborough Law”, which would make it a criminal offence for public officials to cover up wrong-doing within an organisation. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield firm launches pumpkin into space

Sheffield-based near space balloon specialists, Sent Into Space, marked halloween with a trick of their own, floating a pumpkin into the upper atmosphere. The team, known for sending weird and wonderful items into the sky told Sheffield Live! that the pumpkin reached a height of 49.9km, well into the mesosphere. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Conference puts domestic abuse in the spotlight

South Yorkshire Women’s Aid were the hosts for a women’s empowerment conference aiming to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support services available for victims of violent relationships. The charity, which provides refuge and support for women facing violence in the home has launched a crowdfunding to maintain its service after loosing a £30,000 grant from Doncaster Council. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Rebuild festival explores end times

Independent arts venue DINA is hosting a festival of post apocalyptic theatre with a series of productions and installations exploring the end of the world and the building of news ones. Four theatre companies have contributed to the event with a unique mix of immersive and interactive performance. Sheffield Live! reporter Nick Coleman spoke to Sara Hill of Mesters Events.

Tree protester found in contempt of court

Tree protestor Calvin Payne has been found to be in contempt of court for using social media to incite people to breaking a high court injunction to stop interference in the felling of trees. A case against Green Party Councillor Alison Teal relating to the same high court injunction was dismissed and a third case is to be heard next week. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Council signs up to charter for ethical homecare

Sheffield Council have signed up to UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter including commitments to care workers’ rights and an end to zero hours contracts. Under the charter, the local authority will work with Sheffield’s care providers to help them replace zero hours contracts with guaranteed hours and to reflect travel time between home care visits in care workers’ pay. The authority has also pledged to work with care providers to help them move towards paying the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended minimum £8.45 per hour to all of their employees. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!