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Sheffield MP criticises government Brexit strategy

Shadow Brexit Secretary and Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield has accused the government of handling the Brexit negotiations “extremely badly”. The criticism comes as the Prime Minister travels to Brussels for a dinner with European Union leaders in a bid to end the stalemate over arrangements for Britain’s exit from the EU. The meeting, with chief negotiator Michel Barnier and Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, comes days after the pair said talks were in “deadlock”. Later this week the Prime Minister and Brexit Secretary David Davis, will be meeting their EU counterparts to continue the Brexit negotiation.

Green Party conference award for Sheffield councillor

Nether Edge and Sharrow councillor, Alison Teal has received the most impressive Councillor achievement award at the Green Party conference in Harrogate. Teal has been a central organiser in the campaign to preserve Sheffield’s trees from Sheffield Council’s mass tree-felling programme and has faced suspension from the Council, arrest and a Council-backed court injunction. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Music lovers launch anti-racism campaign

Local organisers for the national Love Music Hate Racism campaign are holding an all-day fundraising event this weekend supported by Sheffield musicians and taking place at the White Lion pub in Heeley. The event aims to bring people together through music to support the anti-racism campaign and to raise funds for bigger events in the future. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to organisers Julian and Rhiannon Newell.

Hundreds in anti-fracking rally at Barkers Pool

Anti-fracking campaigners gathered in their hundreds for a rally at Barkers Pool to call for a ban on fracking and for fossil fuels to be kept in the ground. Organisers say fracking is incompatible with the government’s commitment to tackle climate change. Fracking involves injecting water, sand and chemicals into the ground at high pressure to create fissures that enable extraction of oil or gas. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Identities explored in Winter Gardens exhibition

Arts charity, Ignite Imaginations, has presented a new exhibition at Sheffield Winter Gardens exploring issues of mental health and identity. The project has been development in partnership with Adullam Homes and support of the National Lottery. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Louisa Golob, chief executive of Ignite Imaginations.

Sheffield-made world fashion on display

Learn to Recreate, a Sheffield-based social enterprise, has been showcasing world fashion products made in Sheffield. The company provides fashion and textile crafts training and support for entry to employment with a commitment to ethical and eco-friendly materials. Nick Coleman reports for Sheffield Live!

Sixteen arrested in weekend stop and search action

Following recent knife crime incidents in Sheffield’s city centre where six people were injured, South Yorkshire Police have deployed stop and search powers, leading to sixteen arrests. The arrests were the results of officers stopping 70 people over the weekend, including two persons found to be carrying weapons. The stop and search powers, under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, allow police to stop and search a person without having suspicion of a crime. Nationally there has been a 46 percent rise in knife crime. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Detective Superintendent Una Jennings.

Public meeting debates ‘no vehicle idling’ plan

Sheffield University hosted a public meeting, with council representatives present, to discuss vehicle pollution and plans for ‘no vehicle idling’ by-laws. Sheffield Council is considering the introduction of by-laws to improve air quality by banning vehicle idling in areas such as hospitals, care homes and other locations. Sheffield Live reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Cllr Jack Scott, cabinet member for transport and sustainability.

Art studios upgrade planned for Castlegate quarter

Sheffield-based Yorkshire Artspace has submitted plans to refurbish its Exchange Place studios in the Castlegate quarter as a location for artists and creatives. The former South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive building will house up to 80 artists but is in need of modernisation. The organisation has been awarded a £500,000 grant from the Arts Council for work to commence. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Young florist puts skills on display

Sheffield College floristry apprentice, Alicia Holdsworth, is putting her vocational talent to the test by competing in the WorldSkills UK Floristry Competition. Holdsworth came first in the heats and is now heading into the national finals. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!