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Latest news from the Sheffield Live! teams

Historic lamps return to Sheffield streets

Historic street lamps originally invented to burn off dangerous sewer gas are being restored thanks to an agreement between Sheffield Council and Historic England. JE Webb’s cast iron Sewer Gas Destructor Lamps were designed to burn methane and other stagnant gases which regularly accumulated in urban Victorian sewers. There were once over 80 lamps erected in Sheffield between 1914 and 1935 and now about 25 are left, 20 of which are Grade II listed. Some of the original lamps have been lost or damaged over time and will now get new lanterns and arms. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield library recruits England’s strongest man

When Sheffield Libraries needed help to move the furniture for their new Reading Room, they called on England’s Strongest Man, Paul Smith of Sheffield. Comfortable chairs alongside classic furniture, including the original City Librarian’s huge 1930s desk, as well as rarely seen collections are all to be part of the new look room, which will also host clubs and activities based on the collections. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Street repair contractors battle the bumps

Streets Ahead contractor Amey have defended their road resurfacing work despite complaints that some new surfaces are starting to crack and crumble. Sheffield Council’s highway maintenance programme aims to shake off Sheffield’s ‘pothole city’ reputation with resurfacing underway for hundreds of roads. The 25 year Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project aims to improve Sheffield’s roads, footpaths and pavements but has faced sustained criticism over controversial tree-felling operations. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield University hosts 24 hour charity lecture

A marathon 24 hour lecture has been organised at the University of Sheffield to raise funds for the charity Inspiration for Life. The charity aims to promote lifelong learning, and encourage the public understanding of science through publications, lectures and other events. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to organiser Catherine Annabel.

New funding may reveal Sheffield’s hidden rivers

Plans to uncover some of Sheffield’s riverside history are moving forward at Castlegate thanks to new funding from the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency has awarded a £50,000 grant to Sheffield City Council to develop designs for Sheaf Field, which could ultimately see the River Sheaf de-culverted as it passes the former Castle Market site. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Muslims in Sheffield condemn terror attacks

Members of the Muslim community in Sheffield have come together to express condemnation of last week’s terrorist attack in Westminster. Using the hashtag #notinourname members of the community called for harmony and a united front for all religions in the face of violent extremism. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to community members at the Madina Masjid mosque.

Campaign calls for return of free travel passes for the elderly

The South Yorkshire Freedom Riders held demonstrations outside Barnsley Interchange and Sheffield train station to call for free travel to be restored for pensioners. The rally sought to bring pressure on South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and train operating companies to reinstate free travel passes. It also marks three years since the campaign group was founded. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to transport campaigner George Arthur.

Sheffield charity says eating disorder cases on the rise

South Yorkshire Eating Disorder Association has seen an increase in its case load as more people with eating disorders seek support. People with eating disorders can only access NHS statutory treatment once their illness has become severe and at times life-threatening. Research has shown that the earlier a person receives treatment, the quicker they are likely to recover. The Sheffield-based charity is seeking to recruit additional volunteers to assist in providing help during the early stages of onset of eating disorder. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield specialists advise on healthcare in Ethiopia

Six specialists from Sheffield Health Action Resource for Ethiopia (SHARE) visited St Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa and Ayder Referral Hospital, Mekelle to help improve Ethiopian health services. SHARE is an international health link between Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Mekelle, Ethiopia, operating with charitable objectives. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Royal Hallamshire Hospital consultant Cariad Evans.