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Prove our cladding is safe, tower block tenants tell Sheffield Council

The chair of Gleadless Valley Tenants and Residents Association has challenged Sheffield Council to prove that cladding installed on the six high rise tower blocks at Callow Mount is safe and different to the cladding installed at Grenfell Tower in London. Sally Dale, chair of Gleadless Valley TARA warned that residents are nervous and would like written evidence to prove their buildings are safe. Councillor Jayne Dunn has said checks are being carried out by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!

Sheffield celebrates ten years as City of Sanctuary

It is ten years since Sheffield was declared the UK’s first city of sanctuary for refugees and asylum seekers and celebrations are planned as part of Refugee Week 2017. A recent survey commisioned by the BBC indicated almost half of people in Sheffield (46 per cent) back the City of Sanctuary movement’s aim to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, but one third oppose the idea and 19 per cent expressed no view. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Weekend warriors take to battle in Burngreave arena

The UK’s first full contact armoured combat training arena has arrived in Sheffield at a community hall in Burngreave. The idea comes from the world of Historical Medieval Battle, an extreme sport based around armoured combat, with fighters assigned to teams and equipped with padded armour, shield and sword. The Northern Lists arena is the brainchild of David Murray. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Critical acclaim for Inshallah Democracy film at Sheffield Doc/Fest

Among many films that gained plaudits at Sheffield Doc/Fest 2017 is a director’s personal reflections on democracy in a climate of terror, from a Pakistani perspective. Insha’Allah Democracy tells the story of filmmaker Mohammed Naqvi, determined to use his vote in Pakistan’s nascent democracy to find a leader who can keep him safe in a time of terror attacks. He spoke with Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed.

Hundreds join Orgreave justice anniversary rally

To mark the 33rd anniversary of the Battle of Orgreave hundreds marched with banners down Orgreave Lane as campaigners maintain their demand for a public enquiry into allegations of police misconduct. The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign was formed to shed light into the policing of Orgreave on 18 June 1984 when dozens of miners were arrested on serious charges, later dropped as allegations emerged of fabricated evidence and police brutality. Last year Home Secretary Amber Rudd decided against a public inquiry. Speakers at the rally included Yvette Cooper, Labour MP and chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Charity aims to break silence on stillbirths and neonatal deaths

Charity activists were out in Barker’s Pool at the weekend to raise public awareness and understanding of stillbirth and neonatal deaths, as part of Sands Awareness Month. According to the national Sands charity, 15 babies a day are still born or die just after birth. A Sheffield chapter of the Sands charity has been recently formed and is organising the local Sands awareness campaign. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Fire safety review planned in Sheffield after Grenfell Tower tragedy

Sheffield Council have confirmed that additional fire safety checks are to be carried out in residential tower blocks in Sheffield following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster in London. The fire safety review will commence from Monday, 19 June, and will be undertaken by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke with councillors and local residents at Leverton Gardens on the Lansdowne estate in Sharrow.

Sheffield legend Joe Cocker story told in new biopic

New documentary Joe Cocker: Mad Dog with Soul features never-before-seen footage of the Sheffield soul and blues legend including backstage at the celebrated 1969 Woodstock Festival. The recently released film, which was on show at Sheffield Doc/Fest tracks the star’s musical career and difficult journey to sobriety with archive footage and interviews with close associates. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to film director John Edginton.

Doc/Fest welcomes Oscar winner to Sheffield

Oscar winning director Vanessa Roth brought her new film Daughters of Destiny to Sheffield Doc/Fest ahead of its launch on Netflix this summer. Daughters of Destiny follows some of rural India’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children as they grow up in the Shanti Bhavan project. The film is an exploration of poverty, discrimination, opportunity and the search for purpose. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Vanessa Roth.