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.
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!
Vote counting has begun in the West African state of Liberia in the run-off presidential election between Vice-President Joseph Boakai and former international footballer George Opon Weah. Former chairman for the Liberian Association of Sheffield, Prince Taylor, told Sheffield Live! many Liberians in the diaspora are hopeful there will be a peaceful transition of power in the country. Turnout was low in the boxing day polls but the result is expected to lead to the first smooth transfer of power in 73 years. Mr Weah, 51, won the first round, but did not secure the required 50 per cent of the vote for an outright victory. Legal challenges delayed the vote to replace Mrs Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is Africa’s first elected female president. Baillor Jalloh reports.
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.
This week Azz Mohammed and Stevie Nicks speak to people and patients from children’s hospice, Bluebell Wood.
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.
The RMT union are planning a series of 24 hour rail strikes in January in a long-running row over driver-only trains, the role of guards and the safety of passengers and railworkers. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
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.
South Yorkshire Police are set to increase their visibility during the festive period following Tuesday’s raids and arrests by counter-terrorism officers at addresses in Sheffield and Chesterfield. James Otter reports for Sheffield Live!
This week Azz Mohammed and Stevie Nicks speak to a Mobo gospel nominee Leroy Johnson.