The Acorn Union fears thousands of tenants could lose their homes when a temporary ban on landlords evicting tenants comes to an end after a one month extension. The ban on evictions was introduced by the government to prevent people becoming homeless due to loss of income during the coronavirus crisis. It is now set to expire on 20 September. Activists are calling for more action to protect tenants. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Cathy Murray, of the Acorn Union.
Refugee rights activists mounted a city centre protest on Saturday against the government’s “hostile environment” immigration policy towards those seeking sanctuary in the UK. The protest comes after the body of a 16 year old Sudanese boy, Wajdi Abdulfatah Hamddallah, was discovered on Sangatte Beach after attempting to cross the Channel in a rubber dinghy. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Following months of lockdown closure the Odeon Cinema has announced it will reopen in Sheffield joining seventy other cinemas that have reopened across the country. Seating will be limited to maintain social distancing measures and will allow families to sit together. Alterations have also been made to air conditioning to prevent circulation and bring cool air from outside. Bookings will be limited to contactless payments and online pre-booking. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Phil Towers, general manager at Odeon Sheffield General.
Sheffield Council have adopted a fast track scheme to enable local businesses to apply for outdoor seating approvals and to provide barriers to separate pedestrians from cafe and bar customers. With businesses struggling with safe distancing requirements for indoor spaces the scheme is intended to promote greater use of the outdoor environment and is supported by the Council’s share of government funding to re-open high streets and commercial areas. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Councillor Mazher Iqbal, cabinet member for business and infrastructure.
Two drive-in cinema events are to be hosted by Motorpoint Sheffield in September with the aim to raise £15,000 for local children’s charity Cash For Kids. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Steve Wright, sponsorship manager for Motorpoint.
Dozens of Deliveroo riders in Sheffield joined a demonstration in and around West Street on Wednesday to demand improvements in pay and fairer working conditions. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to one of the protesters who asked not to be identified because of fears for his job.
Since the weekend bowling alleys, casinos, skating rinks and beauty salons in England have opened for the first time since lockdown measures were introduced in March. The re-opening comes as the government continues to ease restrictions to help people and businesses get back to work. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Erica Anderson, owner of Blynk Lash & Brow Bar on Chesterfield Road.
Kelham Island Museum has put health precautions in place for the return of visitors to Sheffield’s iconic industrial heritage centre, closed since the March lockdown. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Gemma Holden, marketing coordinator for Sheffield Industrial Museums Trust.
Sheffield’s Support Dogs charity are marking the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics with a call to dogs and their owners to join a series of Olympic themed challenges. Participant pooches in the fundraising month are asked to demonstrate six Olympic themed activities, including sprints, jumps and hurdles, and to submit videos of their performance. Doggy suits are provided for owners that want to join the fun. Sheffield Live reporter Sean Johnson spoke to Support Dogs manager Tess Thompson.
Sheffield Hallam MP, Olivia Blake has welcomed the government U-turn on A-level and GCSE results but says there remain questions to be answered. Her comments come after education secretary, Gavin Williamson said he is “incredibly sorry for the distress” caused to pupils after accepting to change how A-levels and GCSEs results are graded. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!