A flood management pilot project is to begin in Sheffield in the Upper Don Valley to mitigate against the type of flooding experienced by many in the last few days. Since the severe flooding in 2007, there have been a number of flooding events impacting on people, homes and livelihoods. Sheffield Live spoke to Tom Newman, general manager for Steel Valley Project.
Hundreds joined a Stand With Ukraine protest outside the Town Hall in Sheffield on Sunday in response to the continuing Russian invasion. The war on Ukraine, launched on 24 February, has led to sanctions against the Russian government and fierce resistance from Ukrainians on the ground. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Vasyl Kruk, a Ukrainian residing in Sheffied who spoke at the rally.
Sheffield Council has launched a new scheme to allow registered taxi drivers the chance to trial an electric taxi in a move to accelerate the shift to renewable energy. Eight black cab taxis are to be made available for drivers to trial for two weeks, free of charge. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Councillor Douglas Johnson, executive member for climate change, environment and transport.
Micro-finance organisation Purple Shoots is seeking to support ten new entrepreneurs in South Yorkshire to start their own business. The Cardiff-based charity has recently opened a South Yorkshire Hub having previously helped hundreds of people start small businesses in Wales. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Richard Kirtley, divisional director for Purple Shoots.
Sheffield Council leader Terry Fox, together wth Green Party Councillor Douglas Johnson and opposition leader Shaffaq Mohammed have issued a joint statement standing with the Ukrainian community and offering sanctuary for refugees. Former councillor, Jim Steinke, who has taken part in visits to Sheffield’s twin city Donetsk, called for solidarity with Ukrainians living in Sheffield. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
In celebration of schools’ National Football Week, children at Ballifield Primary School in Handsworth have been taking part in football related activities. Last week the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 schools programme was launched, aiming to inspire and unite schools and pupils to get involved with the tournament and with a push to get more women and girls involved. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Sheffield United’s women’s footballer Ellie Wilson and primary school teacher Daniel Cassidy.
Sheffield Council leader Terry Fox and deputy leader Julie Grocutt have called for government action to address the growing concerns about the future of Liberty Steel. The company has key sites in Stocksbridge and Rotherham employing around 2000 people and having a wider strategic role in the local economy. HMRC has issued winding up orders on the company causing uncertainty for the future and a risk of job losses. Trades unions are also calling for government intervention. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Charlotte Childs, national officer for the GMB Union.
Unions representing staff in schools across the Catholic Diocese of Hallam have written to the Secretary of State for Education to begin legal action over letters they informing them they would be forced to join multi-academy trusts. The National Association of Head Teachers says the only way schools can be forced to become academies is if they are eligible for intervention and none in Hallam are currently in this category. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Rob Kelsall, national secretary for the NAHT.
Trades unions and activists are planning protests in Sheffield and across the UK this weekend following the increase in the energy price cap and the growing cost of living crisis. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Martin Mayer, secretary of Sheffield Trades Union Council.
Citizens Advice Sheffield is urging struggling families and those on lower income to check if they are missing out on benefits entitlements to help cope with rising energy prices. The government has announced that from October millions of households in England, Wales and Scotland will receive a £200 repayable discount on bills with a further £150 council tax rebate for most households in England to help cope with soaring energy bills. Labour has described the support as a “buy now, pay later scheme”. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Frances Potter, research and campaign lead at Citizens Advice Sheffield.