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Esteli Parade marks 30 years of Sheffield Nicaragua friendship

Esteli Parade, a new cycle route and riverside path named has been opened to celebrate 30 years of friendship with Sheffield’s twin town in Nicaragua. The new route runs along the river Don and stretches from Lady’s Bridge on the Wicker to the bridge at Millsands. To mark the event, the Mayor of Estelí, Francisco Valenzuela, made an 8,500 Km journey to unveil the street alongside the Mayor of Sheffield, Anne Murphy. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Francisco Valenzuela and to Deputy of the Embassy of Nicaragua, Ricardo Carioni.

Campaigners rally against health service closures

NHS campaigners mounted a demonstration against plans to close the Minor Injuries Unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the Walk-in Centre on Broad Lane. The rally was held as the Primary Care Commissioning Committee met to review independent analysis of feedback following a public consultation on the proposals. The Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group said, in a statement, that over 2,000 responses were received to the formal consultation and they will be considering next steps for responding to the issues raised. Campaigners say plans to move the services to Northern General Hospital will cause difficulties for many as well as pressure on hospital services. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Alistair Tice of Save Our NHS.

Campaign launched on harmful mental health websites

Two Sheffield students have launched a campaign to make websites harmful to mental health subject to regulation including a requirement to carry a pop-up warning notice. The initiative is in response to the growth in online content advocating for harmful behaviour including pro-self harm, pro-eating disorder and pro-suicide website. Jess Mell and Aiden Mortimer have started a petition on the issue calling for government action and have spoken about their own experiences. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Stem cell treatment offers hope for MS sufferers

Sheffield doctors say stem cell transplants could be a game changer for many patients with multiple sclerosis following international trials including at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Results showed the treatment was able to stop the disease and improve symptoms. It involves wiping out a patient’s immune system using cancer drugs and then rebooting it with a stem cell transplant. Multiple sclerosis affects one in 600 people in the UK, with over 100,000 people diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40, some with conditions becoming very severe. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Emma Reid, group coordinator for the MS society.

Theatrical turn to anti-fracking campaign

Anti-fracking campaigners organised a theatrical demonstration outside Sheffield Hall, to highlight dangers of fracking through costume and story-telling. Fracking to extract shale gas through hydraulic fracturing of rocks deep underground has faced strong opposition with some councils already pledged to be frack free and campaigners pressing the government to slow down the issue of fracking licences until the risks are fully understood. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Cameron Hall of Friends of the Earth.

Thieves struck at Sheffield Manor Lodge

Lead thieves have struck at Sheffield’s Manor Lodge, stealing sheets from the roof of the 16th century Grade II listed turret house. The raiders also caused some damage to the domed tower as well as the roof where Mary Queen of Scots use to stand and watch the hunt whilst in captivity at the lodge. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Thousands march in anti-racism rally

Dozens of people travelled from Sheffield to London to take part in a national demonstration on Saturday to mark the United Nations international day against racism. Millions around the world are expected to take part in rallies and events in solidarity with victims of racism in a week of activities organised around the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, 21 March 1960. The national demonstration comes just a week after anti terror police confirmed they are investigating a number of “Punish a Muslim Day” letters sent to different addresses. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Fire service opens doors to the homeless

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on Eyre street have announced their doors are opened to rough sleepers and those at risk of being on the street as cold winter weather returns this weekend. The city centre headquarters has been converted into a place to sleep since Friday and will remain so for the rest of the weekend. British Red Cross volunteers will be on hand to welcome people and provide hot drinks and snacks, with Framework’s Street Outreach Team and Sheffield City Council’s Housing Solutions service also present to help people access accommodation and support. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Spring clean campaign launched for Sheffield city centre

Sheffield Business and Improvement District has launched the BID Spring Clean, its annual campaign to tackle graffiti and litter in the city centre. Led by the Sheffield BID rangers, volunteers including members of the council met up in the rain to launch the six week campaign. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Diane Jarvis, Sheffield Bid manager.