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Hotel plan shelved for Central Library

Plans to turn Sheffield’s listed Central Library into a five star hotel have been abandoned on grounds of cost with Sheffield Council now exploring the building’s renovation as a cultural hub. Plans to build a new library elsewhere in the city remain on the table and are expected to require around £20 million investment if they are to proceeed. Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure, said talks about other potential projects remain ongoing with Chinese investment partner, Sichuan Guodong Group. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Women’s quilt remembers victims of domestic violence

A patch-work quilt commemorating the lives of women killed by their partners or ex-partners between 2009 and 2015 has been on display in the Winter Gardens to raise awareness of domestic violence against women. Each patch includes the name of one of the 598 women killed in England and Wales over the six year period. The patches were sown by people from all over the world who heard about the quilt project on Facebook. It was first unveiled outside the Houses of Parliament on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2017. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Real Junk Food Project nominated for award

The Real Junk Food Project in Sheffield has been nominated as one of the four finalists for the Social Enterprise of the Year Award as one of the most promising micro-enterprises in the UK. The company, which takes unwanted food from supermarkets and shops and offers it to those in need on the basis of pay-as-you-feel, has grown tenfold in the last twelve months. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to René Meijer, director of the Real Junk Food Project.

Driving test changes come into force

South Yorkshire Safer Road Partnership have welcomed changes to driving tests in England and Wales that come into effect this week. The new test format is intended to promote safer driving and includes updates to reflect common driving practices such as following a sat nav. The new test will also double the time required to be spent demonstrating independent driving. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Aidan Melville, communications officer for South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership.

Rough sleeper finds respite after four years on the street

A former rough sleeper who has been on the streets of Sheffield for more than four years has spoken to Sheffield Live! about the risks and difficulties of living life on the street. John Flynn, who until three weeks ago had only cardboard and a sleeping bag to keep warm during the cold weather, said life has been hard living outdoors over the last few years but he is happy now to have a roof over his head at the Salvation Army. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Tree protestors blockade Acorn depot

A group of tree campaigners mounted a protest by tying themselves together outside the depot of Acorn a sub-contractor in Darnall connected to tree felling programme in Sheffield. Acorn provides chipping machines to main contractor Amey. The action was part of the ongoing row over the decision to fell many of the city’s street trees. The blockade at the site involved nine protesters connected by climbing rope and preventing workers from leaving the depot. 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.