Sheffield Councillor, Ben Curran, has confirmed his intention to stand as Labour candidate for election as mayor of Sheffield City Region. Curran is one of three candidates in the party to stand, including former Sheffield Central MP, Richard Caborn and Dan Jarvis, the MP for Barnsley Central. Elections for the mayor’s position are scheduled for May as part of a £900m devolution deal. Labour is the first party to announce their candidates. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Ten-year-old Asher Walton-Mitchell from Meersbrook has raised just over £1,000 for Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital with a one mile swimming challenge. Asher, who has experience as a patient at the Children’s Hospital said he was doing it “because they do an amazing job” and he “wanted to give something back.” He completed the swim in one hour thirty minutes at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A campaign has been launched by residents in the north of Sheffield to improve transport connections to Meadowhall shopping centre following recent cuts to bus routes. A petition has been started via the Sheffield Council website and is gathering support including the backing of Steve Wilson, councillor for East Ecclesfield ward. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
Iranians in Sheffield staged a demonstration outside Sheffield Town Hall at the weekend demanding freedom and democracy for Iran. According to campaigner Siama Zaad, the group called “Wanted Freedom for Iran” were protesting against the Iranian government’s persecution of democracy protestors who, they claim, have been subject to torture and imprisonment. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Pro-European campaigners were outside Sheffield Town Hall on Saturday as part of a European Movement action day to highlight benefits to the NHS of remaining in the European Atomic Energy Community. The international organisation, known as Euratom, pools knowledge and infrasructure on atomic energy and facilitates access to radioactive materials including medical isotopes used in some cancer treatments. The Nuclear Safeguards Bill is currently being debated in Parliament. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A group of volunteers are coming together to do their bit to help the environment with a litter picking get together in Heeley Woods this weekend. The initiative started as a call for action publicised on social media by Sheffield woman, Frances Bridget, in response to growing concerns about plastics entering the world’s oceans and the impact on wildlife in the woods. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield has won a national award recognising it as one of the UK’s hot-spots for social enterprise, businesses with a social or environmental mission. Social enterprise is a fast growing and important part of the local and national economy helping to re-generate communities, create jobs where they are needed most and reduce inequalities. The award was granted by Social Enterprise UK. Nick Coleman reports for Sheffield Live!
Former Sheffield MP, Richard Caborn, has announced his bid for selection by the Labour Party as their candidate for the mayoral position for the Sheffield City Region. The former sports minister is the first to formally announce his intention to stand. Sheffield Councillor Ben Curran also announced his candidacy before the Thursday deadline. Richard Caborn spoke to Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh.
A new flood defence system has been installed in the Lower Don Valley ten years after devastating floods left many business and homes flooded. Sheffield Live reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Councillor Bryan Lodge and Richard Ryan, executive director of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.
A news agent in Sheffield who was attacked with a gun in his shop has thanked the police and the public for their support. Sajjad Ahmed Chaudhry, who owns the National News shop in Sharrow was left with bruises and a black eye when masked raiders burst into his shop. Mr Chaudhry wrestled the gun from his attackers and was badly bruised during the ordeal. It is he fifth time he’s been attacked since 1997. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!