The five day festival, with the theme Migration Matters, explores through theatre and arts how migration has made a positive contribution to the city and community life. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Katelyn Mckeown and Firas Sharefy, co-founders of Open Kitchen Social Club.
Sheffield Council has confirmed that all 24 of their residential tower blocks will be fitted with sprinkler systems following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The council also said exterior cladding used to refurbish council-owned tower blocks was “fireproof and complies with building and planning regulations”. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The chief executive of South Yorkshire Housing Association, Tony Stacey, has told Sheffield Live! that building regulations must change following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Stacey, recently awarded an OBE for 35 years of service to social housing, confirmed that all SYHA properties are fitted with sprinklers as a matter of policy. This report from Simon Thake.
Muslim community leaders have welcomed news that South Yorkshire Police will step up patrols around the city’s mosques in the wake of the weekend terror attack in London. Police have vowed to enhance their presence at mosques as the holy month of Ramadan enters its final week. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live! from the Madina Mosque in Nether Edge.
The Sheffield Council by-election takes place on Thusday 22 June, with candidates from the Liberal Democrats, Labour and the Green Party all in the running. The by-election follows the resignation of Labour councillor Nasima Akther and the winning candidate will join Labour Party councillor Mohammed Maroof and Green Party councillor Alison Teale as representatives for the Nether Edge and Sharrow ward. On the ballot paper are Shahid Ali (Liberal Democrats), Jim Steinke (Labour Party) and Rob Unwin (Green Party). Sheffield Live! reporters Azz Mohammed and Simon Thake interviewed the candidates.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue have begun additional fire safety checks on all tower blocks in Sheffield. Steve Helps, head of protection and prevention, told Sheffield Live that “early indications are that there are no similarities” between the cladding used on Sheffield high risers and the Grenfell Tower Block. He also confirmed the checks will be on all high risers and not just council-run properties. Simon Thake 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!
It is ten years since Sheffield was declared the UK’s first city of sanctuary for refugees and asylum seekers and celebrations are planned as part of Refugee Week 2017. A recent survey commisioned by the BBC indicated almost half of people in Sheffield (46 per cent) back the City of Sanctuary movement’s aim to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, but one third oppose the idea and 19 per cent expressed no view. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The UK’s first full contact armoured combat training arena has arrived in Sheffield at a community hall in Burngreave. The idea comes from the world of Historical Medieval Battle, an extreme sport based around armoured combat, with fighters assigned to teams and equipped with padded armour, shield and sword. The Northern Lists arena is the brainchild of David Murray. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
Among many films that gained plaudits at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2017 is a director’s personal reflections on democracy in a climate of terror, from a Pakistani perspective. Insha’Allah Democracy tells the story of filmmaker Mohammed Naqvi, determined to use his vote in Pakistan’s nascent democracy to find a leader who can keep him safe in a time of terror attacks. He spoke with Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed.