Bears of Sheffield, a public arts sculpture project is being planned to bring together businesses, schools and communities to raise money for Sheffield Children ‘s Hospital. The charity is fundraising for a new cancer and leukaemia ward with a remaining target of £1.3 million. A similar project in 2016, the Herd of Sheffield, raised around £600,000 from the auction of 58 elephant sculptures. This year will see 60 large and small sculptures on the Bears of Sheffield trail set to hit the streets in 12 July for 12 weeks. The bears will be auctioned off on 18 October. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to project manager Cheryl Davidson.

The retail giant John Lewis has announced that it will close its Sheffield store in the city centre. The company is to close the store as part of eight store closures across the UK due to changes in the way people shop. John Lewis recently reported big losses, stating certain locations such as Sheffield cannot sustain a large store. Two hundred and ninety nine jobs in Sheffield are under threat. A consultation is to be launched with staff. Councillors have raised concerns at the closure as to how it may have a knock on effect for businesses across Sheffield. The news comes as Sheffield is to benefit from almost £50m of funding over the next twelve months from the Mayoral Combined Authority to support its recovery, including major investment in Sheffield city centre and high streets across the region. Sheffield Live spoke to Councillor Martin Smith.

South Yorkshire Police and Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, spoke to Sheffield Live! following publication of the Sheffield District force performance report. The report to the Commissioner’s Public Accountability Board highlighted improvements in addressing organised crime groups and neighbourhood safety but highlighted the need to improve detection of burglaries and car crimes. Andy Kershaw reports.

Many households could see their boiler repairs delayed as British Gas engineers and other staff go on strike from Friday for five days. The industrial action is part of on ongoing row over working conditions. Speaking to Sheffield Live! David Douglas, a regional representative for the GMB union in South Yorkshire said the hire and fire is causing stress and anxiety among employees. A spokesperson for British gas said: “Our business needs to change to survive and protect 20,000 jobs. We know change is difficult but we have offered a fair deal that has been negotiated over 300 hours with unions – where base pay and pensions are protected.” Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

A Sheffield councillor has made a plea for people to report offenders to the police, after a new outbreak of anti-social behaviour in Arbourthorne. Ben Miskell, councillor for Park and Arbourthorne said two buses suffered from smashed windows after bricks were thrown by a group of youths. There were no reports of injuries but concern is growing about the potential threat to life, should the attacks continue. Similar incidents were reported in December and this led to buses being diverted from the estate. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Campaigners fighting to save Bolehill Wood in Woodseats have lost their bid to save the woodland which was sold at auction for £68,000. Friends of Bolehill Wood went to their limit of £65,000 after a fundraising campaign to save the 2.4 acre site from developers. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to campaigner Clark Herron.