Stall holders at Sheffield Moor Market were in festive mood at the weekend as they put on fancy dress costumes to raise money for Mission Christmas the largest annual Christmas toy appeal in the UK. In 2015 the appeal generated upwards of £13 million pounds in gifts and donations which were distributed to more than 300,000 disadvantaged children across the UK. Simon Thake reports for Sheffield Live!
Human rights campaigners in Sheffield observed international Human Rights Day, the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Held annually on 10 December, this year’s Human Rights Day campaign calls on everyone to stand up for someone’s rights. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Musheir El- Fassa, chair of Sheffield Palestine Solidarity Group, and former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett.
Since the publication of plans for HS2, the high speed rail line, it has emerged that one of the options to connect Sheffield runs through the Parklands Riding School in the village of Aston. Sheffield commuters are still waiting for confirmation as to which Sheffield station will be chosen with many locals hoping that trains will come Sheffield Central station or to Meadowhall, but an alternative route to the east of the city is thought to be preferred by the HS2 team. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Richard Samson, director of Parklands Riding School.
Sheffield City Council has confirmed it is seeking a developer to transform the derelict site at Parkwood Springs into a “nationally-significant attraction”. The artificial ski slope was closed after a fire in 2012 and the facilities destroyed by a plague of arson attacks. The council now owns the former ski village site land and is set to test the market by asking investors and developers to bring forward ideas for the wider area as an urban country park or activity centre. An initial study suggests the site is a “viable business opportunity” that can contribute to Sheffield’s reputation as The Outdoor City. Sheffield Live! reporter Simon Thake spoke to Neil Schofield, chair of Friends of Parkwood Springs.
Sheffield United are third in League One and hoping to stay in contention for promotion as they face Swindon Town at Bramall Lane. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
The Owls face a difficult game away to Reading at the weekend after winning their last game 2-1 against Preston. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
A Sheffield College student, Louise Downs, 19, has won the prestigious David Lyell Scholarship award as top young pastry chef 2016. The award, from the Master Chefs of Great Britain, is open to all chefs under age 21 whether working in the catering business or at college. Sheffield Live! reporter spoke to Louise Downs and to Sheffield College lecturer, Len Udwin.
The launch date is set and Sheffield’s famed Niche Nightclub will reopen its doors at a new location on 28 January 2017 after a ten year absence. Tickets for the first night sold out in less than five minutes and there are changes not only to the location but also to the music and age restrictions. Sheffield Live! gained exclusive access to the new site to see the work in progress. Sham Powell reports for Sheffield Live!
South Yorkshire Police are urging drivers to avoid driving during the festive period while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The campaign to discourage people from irresponsible drinking emphasises safety and alcohol awareness with the aim to reduce drink driving, alcohol related violent crime, vulnerability, domestic violence and underage drinking. Additional measures include drink drive enforcement, test purchasing, the roll out of fixed penalty notices, working with licensed premises and increased patrols to deter people from drink driving. Bailor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Two hundred people gathered outside Sheffield Town Hall to protest against the Council’s tree felling programme before a Council debate on the issue. Members of Sheffield Tree Action Group and Save Our Roadside Trees addressed protesters ahead of the full council meeting which debated a Green Party tabled motion of ‘no confidence’. Sheffield Live! reporter Sham Powell spoke with former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett.