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Liberians in Sheffield hope for peaceful transition

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.

Google Garage online into 2018

The pioneering Google Garage training centre in Sheffield is to be extended for a further six months before moving on to other parts of the UK. The pop-up internet shop has being offering a programme of events together with advice and support for internet users. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to trainer May King and music artist Javan Wright.

Cyclists complain of dangerous conditions on Carlisle Street

Carlisle Street, one of the quieter routes into Sheffield, is gaining such a reputation for dirt and dangerous conditions that some cyclists are now avoiding it altogether. The mile long road is frequently covered in mud and dirt from nearby commercial premises and Sheffield cyclists are calling on business to clean up their act. Sheffield Live reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to cyclist Phil Harrison.

Icy roads bring upsurge in complaints

Icy conditions have led to a spike in complaints about newly resurfaced pavements which are proving to be especially slippery due to the tarmac used. A Streets Ahead spokesperson told Sheffield Live! “Although a rough surface can sometimes be advantageous during periods of snow and ice, we do have to maintain footways in order to ensure that, at any point in the year, they do not provide a trip hazard and they are compliant with national standards. The surfaces we apply are smoother than the old surfaces but they are standard materials which are used extensively across the country.” Baillor Jalloh reports.

Exhibition challenges infant loss taboo

An exhibition exploring the taboo of silence around stillbirth, miscarriage and sudden infant death syndrome is on display at The Art House Sheffield. Remembering Baby is inspired by academic research and highlights the hidden side of infant loss. It features memory boxes, notes from bereaved parents to their children and artwork illustrating their loss. The exhibition uses visual and audio art to explore how both parents and medical staff experience and encounter death “at the very beginning of life”.

Campaigners dispute £500k cost to save memorial trees

Tree campaigners have dismissed Sheffield Council’s claim that it will cost around half a million pounds to save the war memorial trees on Western Road. A Council report has assessed the financial impact of retaining the Western Road trees and making surrounding road and pavements safe, funds which the Council says would require it to re-prioritise spending on core services such as adult social care. However campaigners say the price is grossly inflated. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Fitness for work gets funding boost

A Sheffield Council supported project has been granted additional funding to help unemployed people back to work by combining physical activity with access to opportunities to improve employability. Walking For Purpose operates alongside community partners who provide access to training workshops and employment guidance. Job seekers are met at a local venue from where staff will walk with them to community-based support centres. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to project manager Tom Hughes and cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure Councillor Mary Lea.