Sheffield City Council deputy leader, Olivia Blake, has resigned after backing a petition which calls for replacement of the council’s “strong leader” model with a more open committee-based decision-making system. The petition, brought forward by campaign group Its Our City, calls for a referendum over the leadership model and has been signed by over 26,000 residents. Campaigners handed the petition in to the local authority on Friday. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
More than a dozen couriers working for Deliveroo held a demonstration in Sheffield city centre protesting a reduction of their minimum payment rate from £4.25 to £3.15 per delivery. A spokesperson for Deliveroo told Sheffield Live! “We’ve recently introduced changes that mean Deliveroo is investing even more in rider fees. Since making these changes riders in Sheffield are earning over £11.00 per hour on average.” Baillor Jalloh reports.
Hundreds of athletes from 13 countries have been in Sheffield to take part in the world’s underwater hockey championship which is being held at Ponds Forge. The hectic sport which began in the 1950s is becoming increasingly popular with more than 100 teams across the UK. Team GB’s U24 and U19 are taking part in the competition and will be hoping to qualify for the final on Saturday. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A plaque honouring the legacy of William Marsden, founder of London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, has been unveiled at Watson’s Walk in Sheffield. The surgeon was born in Sheffield in a house near to the top of the original Watson’s Walk in 1796, close to the Dove and Rainbow pub in Hartshead Square. Nearly two decades ago a bronze plaque was erected in the same area. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Detectives investigating the murder of a 21-year-old man in Sheffield issued a fresh appeal for information on the first anniversary of his death. Kavan Brissett was stabbed in the chest in an alleyway off Langsett Walk, in Upperthorpe, in August 2018. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield Carnival procession parade brought together hundreds of participants in its third year at Norfolk Heritage Park celebrating communities and diversity. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Dozens of students at Sheffield’s Longley College were in a celebratory mood this week after receiving their A-level results. The pass rate for the college rose from 96% to 98%. Meanwhile, the proportion of students in England achieving top grades has fallen to its lowest level for more than ten years with only 25.2% gaining A grade or higher. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The office of Sheffield Hallam MP Jared O’Mara was occupied on Wednesday by members of the Women’s Equality Party. About half a dozen protestors gained access to the independent MP’s Courtwood House office on Silver Street. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Charlotte Mead, leader of the Women’s Equality Party in Sheffield.
The Minister for Policing, Kit Malthouse has announced a £1.6m award for the setting up of a Violence Reduction Unit in South Yorkshire. The VRU will bring together South Yorkshire Police, local authorities, health and education professionals, community leaders and other key partners to tackle violent crime. Dr Alan Billings, the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner welcomed the news but also highlighted challenges if the funding is not sustained. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A group of MPs have recommended drivers be banned from using hands-free mobile phones. According to the Commons Transport Select Committee, using a hands-free device creates “the same risks of collision” as using a hand-held mobile phone. Sheffield Live spoke to some people in the city to find out their thoughts on the proposal.