Many people living in Kelham Island, Neepsend and West Bar have criticised Sheffield City Council’s plans to introduce numerous pedestrian and cycle lanes in the area.
Updated plans show that many roads, which provide access to local traders, are being converted into primary cycling routes, one-way streets and a ‘Dutch-style’ roundabout.
This is all part of the council’s wider plans to increase ‘sustainable transport options’.
But with many businesses already suffering the impact of the Clean Air Zone, the council have not responded to our approach for comment on the additional plans which many fear will put businesses under.
“It’s short sighted and it’s killing industry.” said Sarah Walker, a local resident who attended the council’s public information event.
“This is a waste of time because its going to happen no matter what the people of Sheffield say. I have emailed the council and told them what I think but they’re not very good at getting back to you.”
Dana Windle, organiser of Rex Market on Neepsend Lane, echoed Sarah’s frustrations at the lack of communication from the council.
She said: “It feels like there is no democracy in Sheffield City Council. There’s no taking in people’s opinions and seeing who its actually going to effect before going ahead with the changes. They’ve just decided they want to do something and gone ahead with it.”
Michael Windle, who founded P&W services 60 years ago and runs the car body repair shop on Neepsend lane with his son Matt, fears the worst.
He said: “The passing trade will disappear. People come here because we’re a father and son business and they always know we’ll be here. Well, we might not be soon.”
His son, Matt, believes it’s no accident that these plans coincide with the introduction of Sheffield’s clean air zone.
“These plans are all designed to send vehicles through the clean air zones because no lorry will be able to access this area without going through the clean air zone.” He said.
Whilst the council have not responded to these criticisms, Councillor Mazher Iqbal believes these changes are important for the regeneration of Sheffield.
“It’s important we make it easier to travel by public transport, cycling and walking” he said in a press release.
Whilst protecting Sheffield’s status as one of Europe’s greenest cities is a noble cause, business owners between Kelham and Neepsend wonder if they are collateral for the council’s regeneration plans.
