Local Elections 2023 - Sheffield Wire

Live: Latest updates from Sheffield & Barnsley Local Elections 2023

Covid Plan B could be “devastating” for hospitality trade

3:55pm

COVID Plan B has caused a rise in last minute Christmas party cancellations, with one Sheffield restaurateur worried about the impact that will cause. Stacey Sherwood-French, co-owner of Sheffield restaurant JÖRO, said: “We are just about covering lost reservations with waitlists, though if it gets much worse we will be facing considerable losses.” The new restrictions which came into place earlier this week have created major concerns that another Christmas will be affected by Covid restrictions. “It’s a worry for sure but all we can do is keep our diners safe as best we can. We missed out on one Christmas, to lose another would be devastating,” said Ms Sherwood-French. Ms Sherwood-French said the restaurant was also seeing an increase in guests contacting them in advance to see what precautionary measures they were taking, with many still worried about the virus. Though restaurants aren’t within the new measures, many have kept safety measures in place. Like other restaurants, JÖRO said staff were still wearing masks in the restaurant, social distancing is still being followed and they’re conducting routine Covid tests.

29,000 children in Sheffield to benefit from free food vouchers this Christmas

3:53pm

Sheffield City Council is offering food vouchers to 29,000 families in need across the winter holidays. Families with children who are eligible for free school meals will be given a £50 coupon to help cover the costs of food and energy. The scheme is aimed at those who claim income assessed Early Years Support (2-4 years old) and young people leaving their care setting (Care Leavers) are also involved. Councillor Terry Fox, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “With the rising cost of food and energy and an uncertain winter ahead, we must continue to support vulnerable families, so I’m pleased to be able to continue this important voucher scheme. “I hope it alleviates some of the worries families may have had about how they were going to put enough food on the table and keep their house sufficiently warm during Christmas time when finances are often stretched further than normal. To help provide this support, Edenred UK is working with the Department of Education (DfE) to provide supermarket vouchers to families whose schools cannot provide food directly to their families.

Edenred UK online code redemeption scheme

There are eight supermarkets available to redeem vouchers - Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose, M&S food, Aldi and McColl’s. Eligible families will receive an eCode for supermarket redemption, or the school will print off the voucher, or ‘eGift card’, and post it to a home address, or arrange a collection. The vouchers will be funded through the government’s Household Support Fund set up in October 2021 to help local councils directly help those who need it most. This scheme will provide winter support for people who live in Sheffield and struggle to afford food and other essentials. Sheffield City Council has also opened a free school meal scheme, which schools can apply for online to provide free meals for up to five children per family.

Consultancy firm presents options for Sheffield’s John Lewis building

3:51pm

A consultancy firm published a report today outlining various options for Sheffield's John Lewis building. The Barker’s Pool site has been closed ever since the retail giant abandoned it in July this year. Almost 300 jobs were lost, leaving a void in the centre of the city. Consultancy firm Fourth Street has offered up various options, such as changing the site into flats or even demolishing the building completely. Dan Anderson, the director at the forefront of the project, summarised their findings. He said: “In our professional judgement, the best option is to remove the building and introduce a civic building at the far end, to frame what could be a fantastic world class public space. "Whether it’s a park, a piazza or plaza, whatever you want to call it. “That is only our recommendation, it’s not the council’s decision yet as we now need to discuss this more widely with the public.” This public consultation will begin early next year, with a number of options on the table. Coun Mazher Iqual, who is in charge of development and regeneration in the city, is excited with what is to come. He said: “The first starting point for me is, let’s be bold and let’s have a conversation across the city. “I’d like something iconic there, that says this is what Sheffield is all about.”

Barnsley town centre plans for five-year revamp

3:38pm

A five-year-plan for Barnsley's town centre is set to be presented for approval next week to establish it as a great place to "live, learn and do business." The plan for 2021 to 2026 is aimed at growing Barnsley in regards to business and investment opportunities, subsequently improving the community. Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: "We want to do more. If we stand still, the borough’s economy will stand still. Our borough will have better homes, jobs, services and transport links, and this plan makes sure everything we do in our town centre is moving us in the right direction."

Want to have your say on how we can create a more #SustainableBarnsley?
Centre for Sustainable Energy will be asking local people what you think about the transition to a more environmentally friendly borough. Sign up to tomorrow's online event here: https://t.co/C3TuozO5PG pic.twitter.com/sJVhuCecpu — Barnsley Council (@BarnsleyCouncil) December 8, 2021

The town centre plan's goals are linked to the 2021-24 Council Plan and it is a result of the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council talking to businesses located in the town centre. It tries to meet the objectives of:

Growing Barnsley (inclusive economy)
Healthy Barnsley (wellbeing)
Learning Barnsley (diverse life-long learning opportunities)
Sustainable Barnsley (net-zero carbon targets for the borough by 2045)

The town centre plan calls for a clearly defined strategy and action plan for the town centre and a town centre management function to support businesses. The plans say: "Without a doubt our Town Centre needs to look visually amazing, “continually current” and inspiring – all areas need to be clean and well-kept to further enhance that overall perception and contribute to civic pride."

South Yorkshire set for another week of bus strikes

3:36pm

Stagecoach have confirmed that South Yorkshire bus drivers will undertake another week of strikes after negotiations broke down between the company and its employees. The previous strikes started on 28 November and were intended to last an entire week. However, the initials strikes were extended because of further disagreement over pay from both bus drivers and engineers. As a result, from 11 December until 17 December, the strikes will impact services in Barnsley, Rotherham, Dearne Valley and West Yorkshire, with services in these areas resuming on Saturday 18th December. In Sheffield, services will be affected from 12 December until 18 December. During the strike action (12/12/21-18/12/21), the following services will run on a reduced service: 1 - High Green - Batemoor (Monday to Friday) 57 - Sheffield - Stocksbridge (Monday to Friday) 25 - Woodhouse - City Centre - Bradway (Monday to Saturday) 120 - Halfway - Crystal Peaks (Monday to Saturday) Phil Medlicott, Managing Director for Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “We can now confirm that the latest pay offer has been rejected and further strike action will take place starting this weekend. "We have worked tirelessly to protect the jobs of our people during the pandemic, and we are also leaving no stone unturned in our current pay discussions with Unite. We believe our people should be properly rewarded and at the same time the long-term sustainability of the bus network for local communities should be protected." Mr Medlicott bemoaned the lack of cooperation from the opposing side: “There needs to be flexibility on both sides. We have now made several different above inflation offers, so it is frustrating that there has not been the same approach from union representatives."

Government bill ‘attacks democratic freedoms’

3:35pm

Campaigners say the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill, currently making its way through parliament, will “destroy what little democratic rights we have left”. The bill is in its third reading stage in the House of Lords this week and votes will be held on an array of amendments. The government says new laws are needed to stop disruptive protests using up police time. “In my opinion there’s no doubt that this bill will go through” said intersectional activist Talia Woodin. Woodin has been campaigning against the bill since its proposal and says on its new stage: “It’s the logical next step for our right-wing ruling class, in their pursuit to stifle dissent, further oppress the already oppressed, and destroy what little democratic rights we still have.”

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A post shared by Talia🦁 (@taltakingpics)

What is happening with the bill this week?

The Lords are voting this week on amendments to the bill, which include expansions to police stop and search powers, a ban on "locking on" (attaching yourself, others or objects to another person, object or the land) as a form of protest. They will also vote on the introduction of Serious Disruption Prevention Orders which would enable police to ban protestors whose actions could have resulted in serious disruption from attending further protests, even if disruption did not in fact occur. Several amendments to the bill were added in the aftermath of a wave of disruption caused by Insulate Britain protesters who blocked major roads by gluing themselves to roads and vehicles. This includes harsher punishments for anyone who wilfully obstructs a public highway. If these new amendments are passed, then protesters could face up to 51 weeks in prison for breaches of the new offences or resisting stop and search.

“An orchestrated attack” on protest rights

The proposed amendments have triggered a wave of fresh Kill the Bill protests, the largest of which took place outside Parliament on Wednesday. Protesters spoke of previous victories for social justice in an attempt to remind those debating in the nearby House of Lords of the importance of the right to protest. Human rights group Liberty has called the bill “an orchestrated attack on the fundamental right to protest". They also said: “These new offences will either deter people from protesting, or drag them into the criminal justice system for doing so. They will also further entrench discrimination, with devastating consequences for marginalised communities.”

Kill the Bill protest outside Parliament on Wednesday

“(The bill) will disproportionately impact Black people and other marginalised groups” said Marvina Newton from Black Lives Matter ahead of her attendance at Wednesday’s protest. “All movements and people should fear what the Bill could mean for our democracy, society and right to protest.” People of colour already face disproportionate levels of stop and searches, with Home Office figures showing black people were seven times more likely to be stopped than white people between April 2020 and March 2021. In the same period, the government data showed the number of stop and searches carried out by the government increased by 24%. The bill has also been criticised as an attack on the rights of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people. This is largely due to Part 4 of the bill which would change trespassing from a civil to a criminal offence and give the police additional powers to confiscate vehicles which in the case of travellers is their home. The government rejected recommendations from the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights to ensure new police powers were not used to make Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people homeless in October.

'Selfish actions which drain the police of resources'

The government has said the bill seeks to give the police sufficient powers and tools to protect the public and themselves and will lengthen the prison sentences of serious violent and sexual offenders. These powers are being proposed despite official figures showing there to be no significant change in levels of violent crime in the year ending June 2021 compared to June 2019. Priti Patel vowed to cut crime and back the police when she was appointed Home Secretary in July 2019. “The police have our full support to maintain the pace at which they deal with difficult protests and public order matters," said Patel. “We have seen some of the most self-defeating and dangerous protests ever seen in recent years. These are selfish actions which drain the police of resources which should be used in our communities, protecting the vulnerable people who need them most” Metropolitan Police Service Deputy Commissioner Sir Steve House welcomed the new powers the Bill will give the police, saying tactics of protesters had increased difficulty in public order policing in recent years. For Talia Woodin, the effects the bill could have are deeply personal: “I've seen too many friends sent to prison over the past year for taking a stand against the real criminality, happening within the confines of Westminster.” “I've experienced, witnessed and heard too many accounts of police abusing their powers and causing extreme harm to people. The damage this institution causes knows no limits.” “This Bill will change the course of history in this country and for the vast majority that history is looking bleak. It's on all of us to take a stand against it.”

VROOM VROOM… Disco Dave is that you? DVLA releases most unusual car names

3:33pm

A DVLA survey reveals Disco Dave, Beast and Bat Mobile are just some of the quirkiest names given to cars by their drivers. With many taking inspiration from TV and film characters some four-wheel-motors have been named Betty Boop, Eeyore, Homer, Kermit, Mickey, Olaf, and Snow White. Hopefully their cars aren't fall into a deep slumber any time soon.

Car with personality @M J Richardson

Car enthusiast, Connor Ward, said: "Of course you have to name your car. "You spend so much of your time in it. It would be rude not to. "My car is called sexy because I am basically married to the thing." However, sites such as Confused.com can generate a name for you by asking a few simple questions such as age, colour and personality. The name generated for Connor's, a 15 plate white Ford Fiesta with a sensible personality and film being the Italian job, is Austen. Holly Keane, NHS worker, said: "I rely on my car so I like to talk to it every morning. Thanking her every day and hopefully it prolongs her life. "I called mine Flo because she is cute. She's a purple Fiat 500 so I just feel like I float every where I go. "After 3 crashes she doesn't really drive as well as she used to but she still suits it."

Holly Keane and her car, Flo

Many use the first letter of their registration plate or the colour of their cars for inspiration of many imaginative motor monikers but sites such as Parade Entertainment have complied a list of the world best car names. The top five include: Desdamona, Eleanor, Terminator, Indestructible and Drum. One in six people surveyed name their car and people being aged between 35-53 are most likely to do so. Just over 26 percent were aged 16-34. Tell us what you name your car! Do you think your car has a name we've not yet heard of? Let us know on Twitter.

Does your four-wheeled friend have a name? 🚗
We'd love to know what it is! From 'Kermit' to 'The Beast', comment down below and let us know ⬇️ #driving #car #vroom pic.twitter.com/A6HYwTbi0d — Sheffield Wire (@Sheffield_Wire) December 8, 2021

Government launches new inquiry into recent spikings

3:28pm

Two more Sheffield students came forward saying they have been spiked just after the government urged victims of spiking to share their stories as part of a new inquiry. It is taking evidence from people who have been spiked by injection or know someone who has. Spiking took a sharp rise after lockdown restrictions were lifted and is mainly affecting women, particularly students. One Sheffield student ended a night out in A&E and said she felt “violated” after it was suspected she had been spiked. Mia Rousso posted a statement on Facebook about her experience to raise awareness of spiking. She said: “It is happening a lot more regularly in Sheffield.” She recounts feeling dizzy despite only having a few drinks and said: “After sitting there for a while, I felt myself deteriorating and noticing I was starting to find it difficult to get my words out. "I also started losing my balance. "My vision had gone blurry and I was disorientated. “I was super careful with my drinks as I always am, but still this happened and unfortunately, there was nothing more I could have really done to prevent this from happening.” Another young woman in Sheffield who didn’t wish to be named told Sheffield Wire that a friend of hers ended up in a critical condition in hospital after being spiked: “She nearly died. "They [the perpetrators] are only going after the vulnerable and girls can’t remember what’s happened. "They could die from it.” In the past, spiking was commonly caused by substances being placed in drinks. However, it is becoming increasingly common for people to secretly inject women on nights out. In response to the rise in spikings, women and girls across the UK boycotted nightclubs as part of the Girls’ Night In campaign to highlight the issue of spiking.

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A group of Sheffield students created the Claim Back West Street campaign in response to the rise in spiking to make safer a popular nightlife destination in Sheffield. Some of the measures included calling on West Street bars to implement anti-spiking measures, creating safe spaces within West Street, and introducing Street Angels (people who actively patrol the streets during busy nightlife periods) to Sheffield. The inquiry is collecting victims' experiences until 5 January and will remain open to gather views and opinions from the public on how spiking should be addressed until 19 January. Sheffield Wire has contacted the South Yorkshire Police for a comment on how the local police force is approaching the problem.

Injury-hit Sheffield Wednesday look to take advantage of relegation-threatened Crewe Alexandra

3:07pm

Sheffield Wednesday are facing an injury crisis at centre back ahead of the weekend’s game against Crewe. The Owls were forced to field full backs Liam Palmer and Marvin Johnson alongside utility man Callum Paterson in central defence during the midweek draw at Portsmouth and the same back three could line up on Saturday. The 0-0 result at Fratton Park owed much to a man of the match performance from goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell. The on-loan Burnley stopper made a string of good saves in order to earn the Owls a clean sheet. Midfielder Massimo Luongo was sent off for a poor challenge on Pompey’s Ronan Curtis and now will serve a three match ban. Owl’s manager Darren Moore said: “What I was pleased with the other night was that they were really dogged and determined. I have just got to do more of the same.” Wednesday go into the match against lowly Crewe two points off the play offs and seven away from the automatic promotion spots. Crewe currently sit 23rd in League One but have won their past two games in all competitions. The young side, including 17-year-old centre half Michael Williams, will go into the game with increased confidence. On Crewe, Moore said: “They play with an energy and a purpose about them. "I think it will be a wonderful, fast football game tomorrow.” The Railwaymen’s manager David Artell has been playing mind games in the build up, describing Wednesday as "the Real Madrid of League One". Connor Thorpe, a 22-year-old Sheffield Wednesday blogger, said this of the match: “We traditionally struggle in games like this and we obviously have a huge problem at centre back. “The loss of Luongo is disappointing as he has probably become our most important player with the bite he provides the midfield. “Despite my concerns I think Wednesday will still win this. There has been a clear improvement in our style of play in recent weeks and I think that will be too much for a young, struggling Crewe side.”

£470 million to be invested in Sheffield’s ‘Heart of the City’ development scheme

2:44pm

Sheffield City Council will oversee a £470 million investment in Sheffield’s Heart of the City development scheme. Originally active from 2004 - 2016; this year has seen the revitalisation of further initiatives to make Sheffield even better. Exciting updates are to come on the 15th this week, as the Council is set to analyse progress so far and evaluate how to move forward productively. Labour Councillor Mazher Iqbal, the Executive Member for ‘City Futures’, has been overseeing these plans and is looking forward to the regroup. Mr Iqbal said: “The council’s got a decision making process on the 15th. It’s called the ‘corporate executive’. “This report will show Sheffield: ‘this is where we’re at’ and ‘these are the next stages’...” The councillor said he wants to overlook a variety of different changes in the next couple of years, including more physical work and living spaces. He claimed the reaction so far has been mostly positive and plans have reached an international level, with Sheffield assuming the status of ‘City of the Future’ overseas. Labour Councillor for Manor Castle, Sioned-Mair Richards, agreed, and emphasised the effort being put into this scheme, and specific key improvements. “The biggest development is the Radisson Hotel on Pinstone Street. The fact that this international company is still going ahead with the project is a real vote of confidence for the city.” “We will be a destination for weekend breaks; with a good entertainment and retail offer, as well as being the outdoor city with the Peak District on our doorstep” Managing Director of the plans, Adam Reeves-Brown, emphasised the importance for lifestyle in these plans, to help people enjoy life more after the pandemic. An old car park is set to be revamped, and new bowling alleys, art galleries and live entertainment spaces are set to be introduced. There is also a big focus on prioritising cyclists and pedestrians, in order to contribute to the council's low carbon emissions for 2030. However, for those worried Sheffield will lose its sense of ‘self’, Mr Reeves-Brown said the restoration of certain streets and buildings that hold historical significance are being prioritised too. “Cambridge Street will become the real di-cultural and social heart of the scheme. There’s a lot of significant heritage attention there, including saving a Grade 2 listed building that has remained derelict for many years. “You’re combining the new and the old." Expected to complete in 2022 and 2023, this scheme is set to become one of the largest regional campaigns in the UK. (Photo provided by Adam Reeves-Brown)

Charities brace for Christmas and COVID dog abandonment crisis

2:43pm

On a cold winter’s night in 2013, Ian Courtney’s life was changed forever. His girlfriend at the time was on duty as a police officer when she heard scratching and whining coming from a box left at the side of the road. Upon investigating, she found an abandoned 11-week-old female Jack Russell puppy inside. She made the decision to take the puppy to her and Ian's home in Newcastle. Despite much searching for missing flyers and any contacts in the area, nobody came forward to claim her. The couple then made the decision to keep the pup, who they named Daisy. This was not something Ian, 39, had planned for.

Ian Courtney, owner of Daisy and Sophia

“I didn’t have time for a dog” he said, but it became clear straight away just how special this little one was. He said: “I was smitten right from the get go.”

Daisy

Daisy is now eight and a half, and lives life to her fullest alongside Ian and her sister Sophia, a seven and half year old mixed breed who was also rescued from Romania. Ian is a firm advocate of adopt, don’t stop, and says that his two dogs are his whole life.

Sophia

Struggling to imagine how he could ever give up his beloved dogs, he said: “I’m sure there are a number of cases where people have very good reasons, but there is a difference between dropping a dog off at a shelter and leaving a dog behind.”

'Don’t be too proud'

Dog abandonment over the festive period is a problem the RSPCA is bracing for as it launches its ‘Join the Christmas Rescue’ appeal this week. Pet ownership hit new heights as a result of the pandemic, with estimates of more than 3.2m people taking on new pets. However, as abandonment has risen by 20% this year compared to 2020, the charity fears a surge of pets left behind as people return to normal life following lockdown. Dermot Murphy, who is in charge of the charity's frontline rescue teams, urged the public to do the right thing if they can no longer care for an animal. “Please never abandon a pet. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.” In December 2020, the RSPCA received 51,815 calls, with 770 on Christmas Day. Many experts in pet rehabilitation and rehoming say that situations like those of Daisy and Sophia can be easily avoided. Cleo Wiltshire, 28, from Cambridge is a volunteer dog rescuer and trainer. Studying a degree in Canine Behaviour, Practice and Management at the British College of Canine Studies, she says: “There are so many problems with how dogs end up in rescue and it starts even before their born.” From her experience, she believes a huge part of the problem is unregulated family breeders. She said: “There are so many people who think they should just be able to breed their pets, with no health or temperament testing, no idea how to whelp a litter (help the mother give birth) or look after a mother in pregnancy.” It is situations like this, a lack of understanding of dogs and poor training which leads to so many pets being handed over to rescues, she believes. “It’s people breeding dogs with no idea, it’s people buying dogs with no idea and the worst part about this is the first two years of a dog’s life is so unbelievably important.”

'People need to be regulated'

Cleo is active across many dog rescue Facebook pages and does training with various adopters and with people that run rescue centres. She finds that most often, dogs termed ‘aggressive’ are actually not that at all, but are simply uncomfortable in their surroundings, confused and scared. As the animal sector itself is not regulated, no formal training is required in order to set up as a rescuer or trainer. This is something Cleo feels needs to be changed, with the activity of backyard breeders causing so many issues. “People do need to be regulated, whether they are rescues are not. They need to make sure they are doing their all for the animals in their care.” There are so many other independent volunteers out there doing everything they can to ensure the safety of dogs that have either been abandoned or surrendered by previous owners. Ruth Leckie is the Rehoming Coordinator for Labrador Welfare, a breed-specific charity based in Sheffield. They have been rehoming dogs since 1989, covering a huge area across the north of England.

Ruth Leckie with her dogs Rambo and Bonnie

Ruth spends her time helping owners through what can be an emotionally distressing time of surrendering their pets. She makes it clear that the charity's duty of care is to dogs are placed in the right home. "We are a small team but are passionate about what we do and care deeply about the dogs we do it for." She has worked with Labrador Welfare for three years, and has adopted multiple dogs herself through the charity, who came from incredibly sad circumstances. Rambo came into the centre after being used heavily for breeding.

Rambo

Bonnie was let off her lead whilst her owner walked away in the opposite direction on a nature trail.

Bonnie

Both dogs have found their forever home with Ruth, who dotes on them. Whilst the charity does not re-home over the Christmas period, they will remain open to take in those dogs who need them. "People need to understand there is always a choice, and organisations like us are here to help, we will not judge." Ruth says that whilst the problem of surrendered and abandoned dogs crops up every year, the impact of COVID-19 has been immense. "The pandemic has had a massive effect on humans of course, but for every effect felt by a human, that same effect is felt by a dog."

In pictures: remembering Sheffield’s blitz – 81 years on

2:33pm

Crowds gathered on Thursday afternoon to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Sheffield Blitz, one year after Covid-19 restrictions caused the event to be postponed. The event paid homage to the devastating impact of the Blitz and was hosted in one of few buildings to survive the bombings, Sheffield Cathedral. Sheffield City Council supported the day and its various activities and provided a budget to enable the event to take place.

Stalls outside the cathedral for the National Emergency Services Museum.

Keith Farrow, 62, Reverend Canon Vice Dean and Canon Missioner of Sheffield Cathedral, said of the event: “Its been good to work with the council in the heart of the city and with the people of Sheffield, some of whom actually remember the blitz. “It reflects the power of the human spirit to survive certain things and that is amazing, it is amazing that the community in Sheffield survived this.”

Canon Keith Farrow showing the memorial books of The Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiment.

The event ran from 12pm to 9pm and featured a range of activities that the public were able to enjoy. Some of the key parts of the day included the screening of a rare blitz film and the launch of the 10th anniversary edition of the book, ‘Sheffield’s Date With Hitler’ that was turned into the BBC documentary ‘Sheffield - The Forgotten Blitz.’

Author Neil Anderson launching the 10th anniversary edition of his book "Sheffield's Date with Hitler."

Author Neil Anderson said: “The Sheffield Blitz is part of Sheffield’s DNA, it’s the reason so much of the city looks like it is. “So many incredible sacrifices were made in the war. It's very important to mark it and educate future generations on what the city went through. So even though it's a year late we're still very glad it’s happening.” Throughout the event, the public were also able to speak with World War Two reenactors, view a display of vintage military vehicles and memorabilia and enjoy a performance by Miss Marina Mae, who covered a range of popular songs from the 1940s.

Vintage vocalist and personality entertainer Miss Marina Mae performing at the event.

As the day drew to a close, a remembrance service was held and a commemorative wreath was laid in the Cathedral. The vehicles at the event were brought along by the National Emergency Services Museum who also helped in organising the event.

A reenactor showing some of the contents of the mobile canteen vehicle, brought by the National Emergency Services Museum.

Helen Shepherd, 44, PR and Marketing Coordinator at the Museum, said: “The Sheffield Blitz had a massive impact on the emergency services. It was the fire fighters and the ambulance drivers who were out in the middle of the bombs trying to save lives.” “It’s great for us to be able to commemorate and remember such a major event in Sheffield’s history.”

Reenactors demonstrating the act of putting on a gas mask at speed.