Train commuters condemned 2018 rail fire price increases which have been estimated to average 3.4 per cent. The Department of Transport say the price rises are capped in line with inflation and will improve the network but protest have been organised in Sheffield and across the UK. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to train commuters and Sheffield Labour Councillor Ben Miskell.
Acorn tenants union mounted a protest outside West One lettings agency over the company’s eviction practices. West One agency said, “As a professional and experienced Landlord we are perfectly aware of both the tenants rights and our rights and whatever the outcome of this matter the tenant can be assured that correct procedures will be followed”. Azz Mohammed spoke to Acorn member Maryam Wright.
A group of tree campaigners mounted a protest by tying themselves together outside the depot of Acorn a sub-contractor in Darnall connected to tree felling programme in Sheffield. Acorn provides chipping machines to main contractor Amey. The action was part of the ongoing row over the decision to fell many of the city’s street trees. The blockade at the site involved nine protesters connected by climbing rope and preventing workers from leaving the depot. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Sheffield campaigners joined hundreds in a protest outside the Libyan embassy in London at the weekend to condemn torture and enslavement of African migrants attempting to transit through the country to enter Europe. The demonstration was held after a CNN investigation exposed the sale of Black African migrants at slave auctions in markets accross Libya. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Tree campaigner, Martin Young, involved in a stand-off with Council contractors, said he was given no notice of removal of the vehicle from Lismore Road. Sheffield Council said signs were put up in the area warning residents to remove their vehicles to allow tree felling works to continue. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Tree protestor Calvin Payne has been found to be in contempt of court for using social media to incite people to breaking a high court injunction to stop interference in the felling of trees. A case against Green Party Councillor Alison Teal relating to the same high court injunction was dismissed and a third case is to be heard next week. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
Trade unions and public sector workers held a rally at Sheffield Peace Gardens to demand an end to the public sector pay cap as part of a TUC national day of action. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Martin Mayer, general secretary of the Sheffield Trades Union Council.
Hundreds of tree campaigners gathered in a ‘funeral’ procession for trees cut down under Sheffield Council’s Streets Ahead programme. Campaigners, led by a hearse, proceeded through Sheffield city centre to a protest rally with speeches from charities, academics and opposition councillors. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Anti-fracking campaigners gathered in their hundreds for a rally at Barkers Pool to call for a ban on fracking and for fossil fuels to be kept in the ground. Organisers say fracking is incompatible with the government’s commitment to tackle climate change. Fracking involves injecting water, sand and chemicals into the ground at high pressure to create fissures that enable extraction of oil or gas. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
Hundreds of campaigners and local residents joined a No Frack Day rally at the proposed INEOS fracking site near Eckington. The rally began at Coal Aston Village Hall with a march to the proposed site in Bramleymoor Lane, off Marsh Lane. Campaigners highlight the dangers of fracking and are urging the government to promote safer and sustainable energy sources. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!