Local Elections 2023 - Sheffield Wire

Live: Latest updates from Sheffield & Barnsley Local Elections 2023

Ricky Gervais ‘After Life’ bench plaque in Meersbrook Park stolen hours after unveiling

12:13pm

The ‘After Life’ Plaque that was installed in partnership with Ricky Gervais and the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) was stolen just hours after being unveiled. It was put in Meersbrook Park by the Sheffield City Council on Thursday. Sheffield City Council posted on their Facebook page to announce the instalment of the plaque and the bench on Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon, they announced the plaque had been stolen. CALM was set up to prevent lives being lost to suicide and the bench is one of 25 similar ones across the country. The benches were inspired by the Netflix show ‘After Life’ which portrays Tony Johnson, played by Gervais, attempting to come to terms with the loss of his wife to cancer.

Nice to hear that the donated afterlife bench in Sheffield has already had it's plaque taken. Pathetic stealing scumbags.
— 💙🦉Shelley🦉💙 (@shellbell1471) March 11, 2022

Denis Goldman, a Meersbrook resident said "I don't think the plaque being stolen matters at all, it was an advertising plaque and the only things mentioned on it were Netflix and a TV series." He added that the important part of the bench, the plaque relating to the Campaign Against Living Miserably, an anti-suicide campaign, is still there. The CALM plaque has information about the charity and a barcode that anyone can scan to get more information. Mr Goldman went on to say that "if anything, I think dedicating a bench to a TV show, with the anti-suicide message playing second fiddle was tasteless." The other plaque reads: “Life can be tough but there’s always hope. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is by your side.”

The remaining plaque on the Meersbrook park bench detailing CALM's information

The purpose of the bench is to encourage people to reflect, talk to others, and get things off their chest. CALM wants people to know that it is normal to have these feelings and it is okay to talk about them. Another Facebook user wrote “The theft can not take away from either the message or the purpose of the bench. That is truly the important thing.” The plaque is yet to be returned.

Tyre Extinguishers: “We won’t stop until it’s impossible to own an SUV”

12:04pm

A new environmental campaign group have said they have 'plans to scale up the action massively' after deflating the tyres of hundreds of SUVs in cities across the country, including Sheffield. Tyre Extinguishers first took action last Monday and have targeted SUVs, which are generally known for being larger than average and having features like four-wheel drive and high ground clearance. A spokesperson from the Tyre Extinguishers said: "We have plans to scale up the action massively, and we expect many others to see what we've done and follow our example.

"We won't stop until it's impossible to own an SUV in the UK."

Research from the International Energy Agency in 2019 found that SUVs contributed more carbon emissions than heavy industry, planes or trucks.

Campaigners left this letter on the cars whose tyres they deflated.

The group was inspired by a similar activist collective in Sweden, called 'The Indians of the Concrete Jungle', who targeted SUVs in the same way. The Tyre Extinguishers spokesperson said: "We're doing this because politely asking for change has not worked. "Politicians are totally unwilling to take action on polluting vehicles which are choking our lungs, destroying our climate and clogging our streets." Social media users have expressed mixed feelings about the activism, with many saying that vandalism is never acceptable, and others celebrating action being taken. Pete Hazzard, a Sheffield-based Land Rover owner, said: "Unless there's hundreds of the muppets doing it and targeting the same 4x4 over and over again, then it won't become a big enough inconvenience to get people to change their vehicles." The Tyre Extinguishers spokesperson said: "We believe in collective action but there comes a point, if individuals are driving hugely polluting, totally unnecessary vehicles, that individuals have responsibility."

Blades fight back to beat London City Lionesses

11:58am

A tenacious display from Sheffield United Women saw them come back from a goal down to beat London City Lionesses 2-1 at Bramall Lane on Sunday. The Blades kicked off under bright skies as they looked to continue their run of six league games unbeaten in the FA Women’s Championship. This match marked the third appearance at the iconic Sheffield ground for United Women this season as the club look to grow and promote the women’s side. Both teams were aggressive out of the blocks, with neither managing to mount a serious attack on goal in the opening stages of the first half. The most threatening chance came from Sheffield’s Courtney Sweetman-Kirk but her shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Lioness captain Shea Yanez. As the half progressed the Lionesses grew in confidence and after several minutes of persistent threatening, Carly Girasoli found a way to push the ball past Fran Kitching in goal and put London City 0-1 up in the 20th minute. The Blades continued to threaten however and Rhema Lord-Mears came agonisingly close to a fantastic goal after taking advantage of a good cross from Sweetman-Kirk but her shot bounced off the crossbar. Lionesses’ Jamie-Lee Napier had a chance to put the London side 0-2 up going into halftime but the penalty in the 41st minute was well saved by Kitching falling to her right.

Rhema Lord-Mears came agonisingly close to a fantastic goal after taking advantage of a good cross from Sweetman-Kirk.

After the teams came out after the break, Lionesses challenged immediately but some excellent work from Kitching prevented Atlanta Primus adding to the visitor’s goal tally. United Women responded superbly to draw level with the Lionesses in the 55th minute courtesy of Sweetman-Kirk connecting with a good low cross from Alethea Paul to give the forward her 10th league goal of the season. A fabulous strike from Lucy Watson put the Blades ahead ten minutes later, curling the ball past Yanez’s fully stretched right arm, off the crossbar and into the top right hand corner of the net. Both sides continued to challenge the other’s defences for the remainder of the half but as the full time whistle blew United Women secured an excellent victory which saw them move up to 6th in the table.

As the full time whistle blew United Women secured an excellent victory.

Speaking after the match, goal scorer Courtney Sweetman-Kirk said: “We are buzzing. It was a really well fought win. “Three wins in the last three. If we go and win our games towards the end of the season then we can finish quite high and be really proud of what we’ve done.” On her 10th league goal this season the striker said: “I'm pleased to get on the score sheet. You always make aims before the season so to get into double figures is nice but we have got a few games left before the end of the season so hopefully I can bag a few more as well." On playing at Bramall Lane: “It’s massive, in a way you don’t want to make too much out of it and the couple of games we’ve had here this season maybe the occasion got the better of us so it was really nice, third time lucky to come to Bramall lane and finally get the win.” On Lucy Watson’s goal: “I told Lucy when I got my goal that you’ll get the winner and as much as it’s a great goal I’m equally not surprised because she does it every week in training. She is an unbelievable talent. She’s done it in the games before and I’ve followed it all the way in. If it came off the bar I was ready for the tap in but I’m buzzing for her. For someone of her age she’s got a bright future ahead of her.” The Blades will be back in action against 10th placed Sunderland Women on Sunday at the Technique Stadium.

How to save a life: swimmers compete in Sheffield competition to see who is “the best lifesaver”

11:58am

A sport in which swimmers compete to see who is the most effective lifesaver took place in Sheffield over the weekend. The National Speed Lifesaving Championships are organised by the RLSS (Royal Lifesaving Society), a charity that works to combat drowning. It took place at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre. Lifesaving athletes aged 12 and upwards from across the UK and Ireland competed for national titles in the only sport that has a humanitarian foundation. Only RLSS members were allowed to participate. Aaron Dhanda, 32, who works for the RLSS, said: “On average, around 600 people drown every year in the UK and Ireland. However, we want people to enjoy water safety. "Events like this give people the chance to compete with people around the UK and Ireland to find out who’s the best lifesaver.”

Aaron Dhanda works for the RLSS.

Prior to the event, competitions were held across the UK and Ireland, with the main competition taking place in Sheffield. It included participants from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Notably, a Ukraine flag was also on display. Competitors were separated into various age groups, and they took part in activities like the 100m Rescue Medley in which, after a 50m swim in freestyle, the competitors swam underwater to pick up a manikin and carry it to the finish line.

Over 19 men carry manikins in the competition.

Laura Purcell, 28, the manager of the team Leeds Phoenix, said: “The skills they are learning could help young people to save a life. It’s about using those skills and putting in a competitive speed element. "The kids love it. A lot of them were on a pathway where they were about to quit swimming, they were fed up and this gives them something to focus towards.”

Laura Purcell is the manager of the team Leeds Phoenix.

Joe Cole, 19, who was in the event, spoke about the sense of community that is forged amongst lifesaving athletes. He said: “It’s different from swimming in that you do spend a lot of time as a team with each other; it’s a lot more social. Lifesaving just made sense.”

Joe Cole (left)
with teammate Finn Smallcombe.

https://youtu.be/ZVgqr63C_GE

Ark Sheffield sparks conversations about climate change through free meals

11:40am

An arts project is encouraging communities in Sheffield to get together over food and talk about climate change. Ark Sheffield is running events with partners across the city in March, such as Blend Kitchen, Heeley City Farm, Foodhall and SADACCA (Sheffield and District African Caribbean Community Association) that offer free meals alongside a discussion about climate change. Tom Payne, 42, is one of three Lead Creatives running the project, which will culminate in a large-scale event at The Crucible Theatre on 6 April.

One of the free meals events at SADACCA. Photo credit: Becky Payne Photography

Dr Payne said the narrative around climate change, characterised by megaphones and scary news stories on social media, can be overwhelming for people to think about. He said: "We're wanting to start with very simple conversation, with food, with people, in places in Sheffield." Ark, with fellow creatives Julia Udall and Alex De Little, want participants to explore their own hopes, fears and solutions to the ecological crisis we face. The events so far have been a huge success, Dr Payne said, with an exciting, diverse mix of people having rich conversations.

A meal at Blend Kitchen. Photo credit: Becky Payne Photography

A meal at SADACCA last week saw a 91-year-old man attend. He came along because he needed to do it for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to show he was part of the conversation and to leave a legacy behind. Dr Payne said: "It's such an honour when somebody is there, and they've lived a really full life, and still want to act and make things better for other people." Conversations from the food events will be recorded and streamed at The Crucible as part of Together in the City Festival on 6 April, so that the 900 strong auditorium can hear the voices of the city.

SADACCA meal event. Photo credit Becky Payne Photography

The meals are free to attend, with the final event taking place on 18 March. Visit the Ark Sheffield website for more information: home | ark sheffield (ark-sheffield.org)

Sheffield Wednesday to face Accrington Stanley after “perfect day” on Saturday

11:15am

After their dominant display against Cambridge United on Saturday, Sheffield Wednesday will face Accrington Stanley at Hillsborough on Tuesday evening as they begin their final push to reach the play-offs. The Owls will face the 12th placed team after the Lancashire side's home victory against Charlton Athletic on Saturday as they enter their final 10 league games of the season. Looking ahead to the fixture after his side’s powerful display on Saturday, Wednesday manager Darren Moore said to the media: “My message is clear to the boys, we put a line through this and we move on to Tuesday which will be another tough test. “Everybody has come off the pitch okay and as we look towards the game on Tuesday it is probably going to be the same groups of players. It’s a quick turn around and we will just be focusing on Tuesday.” The Hillsborough side sit one place below a play-off qualification position with just seven weeks of competition left as they bid for promotion to the Championship after being relegated last year. Moore said of his side’s play-off hopes: “First and foremost, physically and mentally we are in good form. But it is the old cliché, one game at a time in terms of how we are approaching it. We can’t look too far ahead, there is a lot of football to be played.” Wednesday will look to build on their scintillating performance at Hillsborough on Saturday where they scored four goals in the first half and ultimately beat 15th placed Cambridge United 6-0 courtesy of a hat-trick from Saido Berahino. On the performance Moore said: “It was a perfect day for Sheffield Wednesday. The fans have witnessed a team today that is clearly in the ascendancy. “I’m really pleased, it was an emphatic win for us this afternoon. It was a game that we controlled from start to finish, we came out of the blocks really quick and managed and controlled the game from there. A worthy three points.” It was former Premier League striker Berahino’s first hat-trick for the Owls, and he received a standing ovation from the delighted home fans. On Berahino’s performance, Moore said: “I’m pleased for him because of the work he has done behind the scenes on his physicality, he’s been excellent really and what you saw today was him being in total control of the ball. Credit to him for the work that he’s done which has been unseen.” Lee Gregory made his first start for the Owls since injuring his foot in January and managed 58 minutes of play. He has scored eight league goals for the team this season. There were also positive signs on Saturday for defender Dominic Iorfa, who came on in the 58th minute for Sam Hutchinson in his bid to return to full fitness after injuring his hip in December. Sheffield Wednesday vs Accrington Stanley will kick-off at 7:45pm at Hillsborough on Tuesday evening.

Monday Morning Briefing: Dog reunited with his beloved toy monkey after a wild night out and other news

10:12am

Good morning from Sheffield Wire, here's the latest news coming up today. Called out by a gender pay gap bot: South Yorkshire companies respond to why they pay women less than men. Chester the lurcher has been reunited with his beloved toy monkey after it was taken on a wild night out in Sheffield. Police have launched an appeal to prevent Land Rover thefts in Sheffield following a recent spike. A Sheffield skate park is trying to bring the community together by diversifying skateboarding. Make sure to keep checking the website throughout the day for updates.

Barnsley man organises collection for Ukrainian refugees

4:43pm

A Barnsley businessman is organising collections to send to his family in Poland to help Ukrainian refugees. Henryk Matysiek has set up collection points across Barnsley and Sheffield for people to drop off items to help Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. Mr Matysiek said: “We want the right things such as clothes, bedding, food, toys, even mattresses and beds because that’s what they’re short of.” “Anything that you think may help people who have nothing.” https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6903633162455314432/ The 59-year-old was born in the UK and wants to help his family in Poland to support Ukrainian refugees in any way they can. Hundreds of thousands of refugees have poured over the Polish border in the last few weeks, many of them children and babies. Mr Matysiek has been appealing over social media for help with his collection: “It’s kind of snowballed a bit. I’ve got people to help me but we need a storage point because there might be quite a lot.” This collection is the latest in South Yorkshire’s response to the Ukraine crisis which has seen people take to the streets in protest and organise charity campaigns in solidarity with the crisis. The businessman was prepared to drive the collection over to Poland himself but with such a big response he has secured help to take the supplies across Europe. He has high hopes for how far his campaign can go: “We are trying for more, how long is a piece of string, how far can we go.” Sheffield residents can drop off donations at Subway in Parkway Retail Park from 8-8pm on Monday or at Wortley Private Club on Reading Room Lane. Barnsley residents can leave their supplies at 23 Cutty Lane from 3-9pm. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6904020802514034688/

“you call someone a dog they act like a dog”: Black Northern Women host Sheffield conference to support black women

4:35pm

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Black Northern Women are hosting a conference to enable black women and their allies to connect with one another. The event will be taking place on the 5^th March at Sheffield Hallam University. Black women and those who wish to support them are being encouraged to attend. The theme is “break the bias” which represents the struggle that many black women face in regards to discrimination and misogyny. Carol Stewart, 55, the co-founder of Black Northern Women, spoke about how discrimination reduces the morale of black people. She told Sheffield Wire: “you call someone a dog they act like a dog.”

Carol Stewart

She grew up in Sheffield, and spoke about her own struggles with racism: “Me and three of my white friends played this game and I always had to be the servant.” Carol decided to be courageous and tell her story so that she could be a role model for her son. She is an award-winning coach for high-achieving women, and she is also the director of the coaching company Abounding Solutions. Carol is hoping that the conference, which will feature speakers, networking and panel discussions, will provide a “sense of sisterhood and connection” for people who may have had similar experiences. Women who own black businesses will be given an opportunity to showcase their products. The keynote speaker will be award-winning comedian, actor, writer, director, presenter and producer Angie Le Mar.

Angie Le Mar

Angie, 56, spoke about her experiences starting out in the comedy industry: “stand up comedy was a hard world because it was predominantly men. I remember being in a changing room and a man used the toilet in the basin and I thought ‘what is this?’” Angie said she's excited to be speaking at the event as "it's important to tell your story." Carol sincerely hopes that the event will be sold out. She said: “It would be fantastic. It would send a powerful message that black women are a force to be reckoned with.”

‘Problematic’ online slot machine gambling usage on the increase despite relaxing of COVID restrictions.

4:34pm

Ex gambling addict urges people to 'just talk to someone' as new data published by GOV.uk shows a huge surge in online slot gambling. Studies show an increase in usage, bets placed and long periods of activity. The average total number of UK sessions had increased monumentally by 17% from 16,832,862 in March 2019, when COVID restrictions were first introduced, to 41,527,216 in December 2021.

This increase shows what a huge burden this has been for people who are dealing with addiction. According to the National Gambling Helpline, it has resulted in online gambling slots being considered the most problematic area in 2020/2021 with 31% of online gambling and activities reported as being solely online slot habits.

Recovered Sheffield gambler, Adam Wood, experienced first hand what online gambling can do to people’s lives. The 24-year-old was in £70,000.00 worth of debt. During December 2019 he was placing bets as high as £400.

Adam Wood- Ex gambling addict

Mr Wood said: “Even whilst betting with pocket change I saved up £9000, and for someone my age, that is a car or potentially a deposit on a house. I just wasted it all in a couple of weeks. "It was scary for me. The deterioration happened so fast. I went from this average kid to then living a life of lies. "I was living in a house with my mum and dad and they didn't have a clue what was going on. "It is such a big reality check on what I was doing as it was so wrong on so many levels. It was never going up. It was always just deteriorating and going horribly wrong.” The total number of sessions is not the only area for concern. The average number of those spending over an hour on online slot gambling has steadily increased by over 8% from 1,573,931 in March 2019 to 2,836,813 in December 2021.

Data has also shown a rise in the average bets per vertical as they have increased by 3% from 3,817,370,45 in March 2019 to 6,412,977,21 in December 21.

Adam explains how these small bets as a child can lead to serious problems such as lending from loaning companies to pay off other debts.

While there is an increase in the number of those spending over an hour on online slot gambling, the average session length has decreased steadily from 26 minutes in March 2019 to an average of 18 minutes in December 2021. Anna Hemmings, Chief Executive of GamCare said: "Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, this year we have reached more people than ever. For those harmed by gambling, this was a particularly challenging year, in which the isolation, stress and money worries may have been amplified by the pandemic. We are proud of all our teams, who have shown great resilience throughout, and who have continued to demonstrate their passion and commitment to the work that we do. This meant GamCare was available 24/7, year-round, to offer support to people affected by gambling harms. Over the next three years, we want to continue to raise awareness of the impact of gambling harms and expand our services to make lasting and positive changes.” Despite this slight decrease and the easing of COVID restrictions, the National Gambling Helping saw a 9% increase in the total number of calls to the helpline in 2020/21 bringing the total to 41,000. 75% of the gamblers calling the helpline reported being impacted by financial difficulties because of their gambling.

Man jailed for five years after violent attack in Crookes

4:29pm

A man has been jailed for five years today, after violently assaulting a 61-year-old man and leaving him with a collapsed lung and two fractured ribs. Ian Askey, 48, of Upper Greenhill Gardens, Matlock, attacked another man at the JET petrol station in Crookes on the 8th December 2021. The leader of the investigation, Acting DS Lee Freeman of South Yorkshire Police’s Sheffield CID team said: “This was a completely unwarranted assault that left the victim badly hurt. This type of incident will not be tolerated, and we are glad this sentence has been handed to Askey for what he did.” The incident took place within the petrol station when Askey walked in and stood close to the victim, before the victim asked Askey to keep his distance as he was not wearing a mask. Askey retaliated by at first stepping back, before punching the victim in the face, and continuing to assault him on the floor for several minutes. The victim suffered a collapsed lung, fractured ribs and several cuts and bruises on their face. Aksey left in his vehicle before being stopped and arrested. Askey was originally due to stand trial, however pleaded guilty closer to his trial date. Acting DS Freeman said: “By admitting guilt close to the trial, we are also pleased that the victim has been spared re-living this nasty incident in a courtroom. We hope it brings some sort of closure for him so that he may now continue with his life.”

“It’s such a shame for the community”: Halfway football pitches destroyed by off road vehicles

4:02pm

Vandals have ruined a Sheffield football pitch by driving over it in off road vehicles. Due to this, local youth football club Halfway Juniors have been forced to cancel their home football matches, disappointing many young children. It is the latest act of destruction on Halfway school pitches which has been defaced almost weekly by problem drivers. Tracey Dickinson, welfare officer at Halfway Juniors, said: "This just keeps happening. And it's not like it's just a one off. It's like a weekly thing and we are getting sick of this now. It's such a shame for the community." The club has been forced to call off eight games in the last few weeks as a result of the problem. She added: "There is potentially 15 kids in each team and then there's their family and friends that come and spectate. It's a lot of people to disappoint."

Halfway Juniors members (Photo: Courtesy of Halfway Juniors)

Mosborough councillor, Tony Downing has been working on a solution to the problem. There is a meeting scheduled for April where interested parties are hoping to discuss the issue to come up with a cost effective solution. He suggests that fencing would cost between £20,000 and £25,000 so they are looking at an ecological solution instead. This would involve planting strategically placed trees to prevent vehicle access to the fields.

Councillor Downing

Coun Downing said: "I'm working as hard as I can to try and get the cost down and do it in a way that works for everybody as fencing would be cost prohibitive for the council. "If we can try and get something in place, for the start of the next football season in September then we will have achieved something."