Sheffield has been awarded £715,000 by the Department of Education to train a new generation of young people to fill skills shortages in the construction industry. The grant, from the Construction Skills Fund, will enable Sheffield Council to create a local training hub, called the Building Block, which will open later this month and aims to train up to 650 young people for an expected 250 local jobs created by 2020. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
The government has rejected a proposal from the Bishop of Sheffield, Right Rev Dr Pete Wilcox, to set up an independent panel to review documents relating to the Battle of Orgreave. Baillor Jallor reports for Sheffield Live!
The Rab Climbing Works International Festival returned to Sheffield at the weekend with more than 400 competitors taking part in the two day event. Many are hoping to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games where sport climbing will make its debut. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
A new local campaign group have launched a call to end the roll out of Universal Credit with a demonstration held outside the Department for Work and Pensions headquarters in Sheffield. Campaigners from Sheffield Stop and Scrap Universal Credit argue that the new benefit arrangements are leaving some people as much as £50 per week worse off. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to the campaign’s acting chair Martin Mayer.
Sheffield Council are to raise parking charges by 30 per cent from April with the new rates affecting both parking meter charges and residential permits. The council told Sheffield Live! that the city’s parking charges remain comparable to or cheaper than other major cities including Leeds, Nottingham and Birmingham. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to councillor Lewis Dagnall, cabinet member for environment and transport.
Sheffield Council is set to draw on £11 million from its reserves in order to balance its budget in the face of cuts in central government funding. Sheffield Live! reporter Bailor Jalloh spoke to councillor Olivia Blake, cabinet member for finance.
Campaigners from Sheffield for Europe have welcomed the government’s promise to allow MPs a vote to delay departure from the European Union or rule out a no-deal Brexit, if Parliament rejects the Prime Minister’s deal for a second time. Mary Seneviratne, a People’s Vote campaigner told Sheffield Live! the government is “moving in the right direction.” Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said his party will support a second referendum if his proposed Brexit deal is defeated. Baillor Jalloh reports.
A petition has been launched called for better security on trams after incidents of vandalism and attacks on drivers in the Gleadless Valley area. The petition by local resident James Wilson calls on Supertram operator Stagecoach and South Yorkshire Police to address the problem of anti-social behaviour on the trams. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
A flotilla of canal boats at Victoria Quays was among the sights to recall the two hundredth anniversary of the opening of the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal. The first journeys on the 3.9 km canal in 1819, carrying coal from Tinsley to the canal basin, were witnessed by over 60,000 people. Thousands lined the tow path for the bicentary celebrations. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Lizzie Dealey, of the Canal and River Trust, and Garry McCord, of event sponsor Servelec.
A new contemporary art exhibition at the Sidney and Matilda gallery, Sidney Street, offers an eclectic take on climate vulnerabilities and changing landscapes. Flat + Earth features paintings and drawings of regional and international artists. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to exhibition curator Joanna Whittle.