Labour councillor speaks out about suspension of bus services
By Jonathan Tsui and Gwynn Gao
Residents in Crookes and Crosspool have faced an unexpected suspension of bus services due to last weekend's heavy snow.
Ward Labour candidate Minesh Parekh and ward councillor Ruth Milsom have written a letter to First South Yorkshire and Stagecoach Yorkshire to complain about the lack of contingency plans for extreme weather.
Milsom said she has been receiving an increasing number of complaints centred around bus services from residents in the area.
Last weekend, the 51 (First South Yorkshire), 52 (Stagecoach Yorkshire) and 52A (First South Yorkshire) were suspended because of the snow in Sheffield.
“A lot of people were reporting there was no notice beforehand and even on the websites”, said Parekh.
"If people checked times on the websites, it just said they were delayed, whereas you had to check on their Twitter account to find out they were cancelled", he continued.
In the letter, Parekh shared his concerns about the contingency plans for adverse weather from the two bus companies and how they will be adapted to ensure Crookes and Crosspool will not be left without service next time.
He said part of the problem is the disconnect between bus companies and the local council: “The bus companies don’t feel like they have to talk to the council and have to talk to local authorities. So there’s no joint approach to navigating a situation like this when we have adverse weather conditions.”
Milsom suggested that bus companies, the council and the highway department should work together since what happened last weekend was an instance of a “lack of communication”. She said: “I think we could have had the routes open a lot sooner. If there’s some coordination of services, not just gritting but ploughing the roads and getting the buses through as a priority.”
A spokesman for First South Yorkshire said the adverse weather of the weekend made driving of any vehicle challenging, especially on side roads as it worsened over the two days. He said company resumed services as soon as road surfaces improved.
First South Yorkshire have arranged a meeting with Parekh and Milsom next Tuesday. Stagecoach Yorkshire are yet to respond.
Moving forward, Milsom will also talk to the council and highway officers about what improvements can be made for future occasions.
The ward Councillor hopes to “get officers to see the priority that it is for people to be able to use these routes and to just make some improvements for next time.”
Sheffield photographer sets up christmas scene on her driveway
A photographer has arranged a Christmas scene on her driveway to raise money for Hallam FM Cash for Kids in Waverley, Rotherham. The photographer did the same last year, raising £3,500, and aims to be bigger and better this year. The scene features Christmas trees, a backdrop and a snow machine. The only concern for the photographer, Hayley Krik, is the unpromising weather forecast. Few could attend last Saturday because of the snow. Hayley said: “That is the only part that I can’t change, if it’s windy this week then we cannot do them.” Mrs Kirk normally works as a wedding photographer, and due to so many cancellations over the last year, she needed another outlet to express her passion for photography. The Christmas shoots will be running from 10am to 2pm for the snow photos and 2:30pm to 3:30pm on Saturday.
Delivery drivers to go on strike next week
Delivery drivers will go on strike from 6 December in response to proposed pay cuts. Couriers who work for the third-party company Stuart, and deliver for JustEat, held a protest last Saturday and now plan to escalate to a strike on Monday. Bahador Roshan, a driver for Stuart, said: "If I can’t pay my rent I have to move my family. "It is losing hope for the future, it is like a nightmare." Despite the snow, over 100 people attended last weekend's protest, including Olivia Blake, MP for Sheffield Hallam. She said: "Stuart couriers have helped keep Sheffield going through the pandemic. For them to be rewarded with a pay cut like this is not acceptable." Stuart's new pay model will see deliveries under half a mile earn the rider a payment of £3.40, instead of the previous £4.50. Drivers will also be required to cover their own vehicle costs.
Photos by IGWB Union
Sheffield to host vigil as part of international campaign against gender-based violence
A vigil to raise awareness of gender-based violence is taking place in Sheffield city centre this Sunday.
The event, organised by the Sheffield Branch of the Women's Equality Party and Our Bodies Our Streets, will run from 6pm and 7pm on Devonshire Green.
It forms part of the international campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which started on 25 November and runs to 10 December.
Several groups and organisations are taking part in the city, including the University of Sheffield's Students' Union, the Sheffield Women's Equality Party and Vida Sheffield.
'Reclaim the Night' at Sheffield Cathedral was one of the 16 days of events
Join us for our second vigil highlighting the need to end violence against women and girls#16daysofaction#sheffieldissuper pic.twitter.com/taRdYWKJl9
— WEP Sheffield (@WEPSheffield) November 24, 2021
Charlotte Mead, the Sheffield branch leader, said: "It's not enough to just do a vigil when there’s a high profile case in the media.
"With someone like Sarah Everard there was a lot of coverage. There are a variety of reasons why hers was covered a lot and others aren't, partly because it was a police officer that was convicted.
"This happens to two women every week on average. Some get reported on, some don't, but it happens even if it doesn't get reported."
Mead mentioned that since Sarah Everard died, over 90 women have been killed where the main suspect has been a man. "It blows your mind to think about it like that. This is something we need to do all the time, not just when a case hits the headlines. "We need to remember these women and keep the pressure on. A vigil keeps the awareness up and keeps it in people's minds."
Marches and vigils are taking place all through Sheffield.
Hollie Venn, the Executive Officer of Sheffield Women's Aid, which focuses on domestic abuse, said: "We couldn't have a lot of new women coming into the services because of Covid, so even if women did want to leave abusive relationships, this was challenging because there was less spaces for people to go to over lockdown. "We want to highlight that we are still here. This is an issue and although we have a campaign for it every year, we're seeing more awareness which is good but this isn't eliminating the problem." https://youtu.be/IC4q3fM2bNo Venn added: "We hear a lot of 'why doesn't someone just leave?' But the question is 'why do perpetrators abuse?' Let's flip the narrative, let's not victim-blame. Why do people behave like this in the first place?" Violence against women happens at home, at work on the streets. It affects adults and children alike. Certain women are more likely to be subject to this violence. Disabled women, for example, are twice as likely to be sexually assaulted as non-disabled women, according to the National Office for Statistics. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, there are helplines available.
Students conflicted over UCU strikes
Both of Sheffield's students unions have officially supported this week's UCU strikes, however the students they represent are split on backing the action. University staff who are members of UCU have been striking since Wednesday in response to proposed pension cuts, high workloads, zero-hour contracts and gender and racial pay disparities. While strikes are due to finish today, action short of a strike will continue until UCU demands are met, causing disturbance to many students and their university experience. This follows a difficult year disrupted by COVID-19 and strikes in 2018, meaning students have not had a normal academic term for three years. Despite this, the student unions of Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam, have released statements in support of strike action. An official statement from Sheffield Hallam's Student Union said: "We at the Sheffield Hallam Students' Union stand in solidarity with members of Sheffield Hallam's University and College Union (UCU) who will be engaged in strike action." Meanwhile, University of Sheffield's Students Union said: "We know that the strikes will cause disruption to students' learning, while also acknowledging that academic staff's working conditions are our learning conditions and need to improve." Many students from across both universities are supporting these statements and the strikes. Zac Larkham, a member of Sheffield Solidarity Group and a second year Politics and Sociology student, said: "Some lecturers are having to make the choice between paying their rent or buying a new pair of shoes. "Lecturers and university staff are some of the only people at the university that actually do care about the students. All students are doing by saying they don’t support the strike is playing into the hands of those who don’t give a damn about us." However, some students feel like their Student Union has not represented their interests. A third year Mechanical Engineering student said: “The strikes last year were even worse, plus we had to deal with COVID resulting in online classes on top of that. "I know staff have also been treated unfairly but purely from our perspective we’re paying huge amounts of money for learning and don’t receive any compensation.” Some areas of the student community are disproportionately affected, including postgraduate and international students. A Politics MA student at the University of Sheffield said: "It takes away a lot of the teaching time, a lot of the content on my course really needs to be discussed in person. "Since I’m doing [a] masters course, I feel more impacted because I only get one year. So everyday lost counts really." Both Student Unions remain fully open during strike action, and have put measures in place to support students affected by strikes, including a winter wellbeing events programme at the University of Sheffield. They also both urge that students should contact the relevant support services at their university if they feel negatively impacted by the strike action.
EXCLUSIVE: Barnsley choir academy plans will put South Yorkshire “at the heart” of talent
Plans for the world famous Barnsley Youth Choir to have its own centre will put the region "at the heart" of vocal excellence, Dan Jarvis MP has told Sheffield Wire. The Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence will also become a hub for singing not just in South Yorkshire, but across the nation. Mr Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, said: "The Northern Academy of Vocal Excellence will put South Yorkshire right at the heart of delivering vocal excellence for generations to come. "I will be doing everything I can to support Mat Wright and all of the team at Barnsley Youth Choir to ensure that these exciting plans come to fruition."
Barnsley Youth Choir is ranked third in the World Rankings and has won eight first-prizes in some of the biggest vocal competitions. The choir's Artistic Director, Mat Wright MBE, said: "We’ll be working with some of the greatest international experts, and it’s going to be a space for people of all ages to learn and train from the very best in the world." Barnsley Council has agreed to lease its former computer centre building on St Mary's Place for the development of the Academy. The council have promised to provide significant funding to develop the building, which first opened in 1879. Funding is expected to be matched by other organisations in the future and the choir will bid for further cash to pay for the plans. Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: "Our borough is a place that fosters ambition. That’s why we’re supporting BYC in developing a permanent home to nurture the incredible talent of our young people." Full plans for the Northern Academy for Vocal Excellence can be viewed here.We are thrilled to share with you plans for a new Northern Academy of Vocal Excellence. This is a hugely exciting project and we hope that you will support us by completing a simple survey. https://t.co/uXhP1HpBqO pic.twitter.com/WzkcjHduCA
— Barnsley Youth Choir (@BarnsleyChoir) November 30, 2021
Sheffield Steelkings to play Winter Blast at IceSheffield tonight
Fans will be admitted for free to Sheffield Steelkings Para Ice Hockey Club for their Winter Blast game at IceSheffield this evening.
The club will play an inter-squad match with both teams featuring players from the Steelkings and their 'Bee team'.
Sheffield Steelkings Para Ice Hockey Club last held a Winter Blast in 2019 with pandemic restrictions putting the event on hold in 2020.
Andrew Mead, who joined the Steelkings a couple of years ago after losing both his legs below the knee in 2016, is looking forward to the event.
He said: “Expect absolute carnage and mayhem! Ice hockey is not like any other sport.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKt63UDLezU The Steelkings are made up of male and female members who are looking to play a fast and physical team sport. The club were rewarded for their work in getting people to play para ice-hockey with a National Lottery Award and are now preparing for the upcoming British Para Ice-Hockey League starting in May. They hope to utilise the size of their squad which features both a first team and a development ‘Bee’ side. Mr Mead assures everyone who attends the event tonight absolute quality of entertainment: “It’s played with love but it’s competitive love.” Mr Mead has also been a member of the GB Para Ice-hockey team for the last 18 months and wants to urge fellow disabled sports enthusiast to take up “the most amazing and inclusive sport in the world.” The event takes place at IceSheffield at 8.30pm tonight.
Young motorists “at risk” as Christmas drink driving begins, says police
Police have urged drivers not to "blow it this Christmas" as part of their latest crackdown on drink and drug driving.
The programme, delivered by South Yorkshire Police and South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, takes place annually across a four-week period.
This year's edition is running alongside Safer Roads Partnership’s new campaign #NoneForTheRoad.
Young people in particular are being warned to think before they drive.
Safer Roads manager Joanne Wehrle said: “Our casualty data is saying that our 17-24 year olds are more at risk and involved more in road traffic collisions, be that as drivers, car users, passengers and riders.
“So they’re the age group that we’re trying to target for the majority of the year really, but also as part of the drink drive campaign.”
She continued: "Every year we have new drivers coming through, so we have a new cohort that we need to educate. Numbers are going in the right direction, but there's still more we need to do because of the new drivers coming on all the time."
Throughout December, the police will be carrying out roadside stop sites and pulling drivers aside if they are suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drivers caught intoxicated behind the wheel can expect to face six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and a driving ban for at least one year.
Part of SYSRP’s campaigning has included a move over to TikTok, where the organisation is keen to target the young people who are statistically most at risk.
During last year's December crackdown, 764 drivers were breathalysed when stopped by officers. Of these, 75 were found to be over the drink drive limit. Additionally, 397 drivers were tested for cannabis and cocaine across Yorkshire and Humberside and 63 or these tested positive. However, due to the Christmas lockdown last year, less people were driving so these numbers were lower than previous years. But every year in the UK, 200 people lose their lives and 9,000 people are injured in a drink-drive related collision.@sysaferroadsThe best present you can give to your loved ones is staying safe this ##christmas If you’re having a drink - leave the car at home ##nonefortheroad♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
Research has also found that drivers are six times more likely to be involved in a collision if they set off after having a drink, even if within the legal limit.
Superintendent Lydia Lynskey, South Yorkshire Police’s lead for the Operational Support Unit, said: “There is no way to know how fast your body will process alcohol and everyone is different. Please think before you get in a car. Is it really worth it?
She continued: “We wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas.”
PREVIEW: Doncaster Rovers vs Mansfield Town
Doncaster Rovers will be out for revenge in their second round FA cup fixture vs Mansfield Town on Saturday, following their defeat at the hands of Crewe Alexandra on Wednesday in the Papa Johns Trophy. Manager-less Doncaster have been on a woeful run of form this season, with only 13 points to their name so far. On Thursday afternoon, they sacked their former player and manager, Richie Wellens, after just 199 days at the club. In a statement, they wrote: "Doncaster Rovers can confirm that Richie Wellens has left the club with immediate effect. We would like to thank Richie for his efforts while with Rovers, and wish him well for the future." With just one league victory since 16 October, the Rovers currently sit 23rd in the third tier. All but one of their points this season have come at the Keepmoat Stadium, and they have only counted three wins since the season began. Currently 15th in the fourth tier, Mansfield Town have racked up four wins in their last five games, and are one of the on-form sides in League two. However, their away form this season has failed to impress, with only two wins so far on the road. Manager Nigel Clough will surely be hoping for a cup upset this weekend, but could Wellens' sacking give Rovers the 'new manager bounce'? Only time will tell.
Peddler Market returns to Kelham Island this weekend
Peddler Market will return to Kelham Island this weekend for a Christmas special. The two-day event, which starts this evening, marks the 56th market in the Peddler Warehouse. Over 20 different traders are set to attend, selling a variety of street food including wood-fired pizza, macaroni cheese, sweet baked goods and Pan-Asian fried chicken. Newcastle's Redheads Mac 'n' Cheese is among those lined up to trade for the first time since before the pandemic. A member of the company said: "We had so many messages all year round asking when we will be back at Peddler Market and finally we are back after a long two years!"
Mac ‘n’ Cheese topped with crispy pancetta, cracked black Pepper, chives and parmesan, via @redheadsmacncheese on Instagram
Bowers Boutique stall at Peddler Market, September 2021, via @bowersboutique on Instagram
Police make series of raids in Sheffield drugs and dangerous dogs crackdown
South Yorkshire Police have arrested 33 people and seized 12 dogs as part of their Operation Duxford crackdown this week. More than 370 officers made high visibility uniformed appearances around Sheffield on Wednesday to reassure the public that police were listening to their concerns. Teams made arrests for a range of crimes including domestic abuse, possessing indecent images of children, and burglary. The District Commander for Sheffield, Chief Superintendent Shelley Hemsley, said: "Operation Duxford is about shining a spotlight on the sort of policing activity we carry out every day." Early morning raids on Wednesday also led to officers seizing 500 cannabis plants as well as Class A and B drugs to the value of £8,000. Around £14,000 in cash was also recovered. Officers teamed up with members of the RSPCA to raid an allotment in Darnall under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Concerns about the conditions at the allotment led to 12 dogs being recovered. They are now being cared for by the RSPCA. Police have urged anyone with concerns to report them by calling 101 or their local neighbourhood policing teams.
PREVIEW: Sheffield United travel to Cardiff this weekend hoping to boost their play-off chances
Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United take on Cardiff city away this Saturday in his second tie in charge of the Blades.
United are currently placed 13th in the league and are hoping to win three consecutive league games for the first time since December 2019.
Heckingbottom took charge of the side with a four and a half year deal after Slavisa Jokanovic was fired by the Blades last week.
His reign as Sheffield United manager got off to a successful start as they dismantled Bristol City at Bramall Lane last weekend, with goals from strikers Rhian Brewster and Billy Sharp.
This victory moved United ten points clear of the relegation places in the second tier.
Heckingbottom will now be hoping his team can compete for a spot in the playoffs and looks to use this run of form as a springboard to later season success.
Cardiff head into their encounter with the Blades having lost seven of their last eight league matches on home soil, failing to score on six occasions in the process.
However, New Cardiff boss Steve Morison has made an immediate effect with 10 points from his first six matches as the Bluebirds temporary manager, including a 2-1 win at Luton Town last weekend.
Sheffield United will be faced with a Cardiff side who they have failed to beat in each of their last six encounters, last winning in Cardiff 12 years ago.
The Blades’ have some injury concerns with last Sunday’s goal scorer Rhian Brewster and midfield general Oliver Norwood picking up slight knocks in the fixture.
There is some good news concerning Scottish midfielder John Fleck, as he practiced in the Sheffield United facility this week.
This is following the 30 year old Blades veteran being rushed to hospital after collapsing during United’s 2-0 away win at Reading on November 23rd and missing United’s victory over Bristol City at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United boss, Paul Heckingbottom expects a tough test from a reinvigorated Cardiff side saying on Thursday: “We know they're tough opponents, they started the season fantastically and then had a big dip.”
“I think they'll be up and at us and they're going to try make things as difficult as possible for us”
The 72 football writer, Sebastian Jones said of the fixture:
“I think Wes Foderingham will keep his place in goal and the back three of Davies, Basham and Egan will remain. The rest of the line-up will probably stay more or less the same.”
“I do think Sheffield United will win this one, I think Cardiff have slipped. The Blades are hoping for that ‘new manager bounce’ under Heckingbottom.”