Victory for petitioners calling for action on burial space shortage
Urgent action on the shortage of burial space in Sheffield will be taken by the City Council, after it received a petition with over 7000 signatures.
The petition called on the council to act immediately on the "dire situation" at a packed town hall meeting on 4 December.
Abid Hussain, who organised the petition, scolded the council for not heeding his warnings 15 months ago when there was five years of burial space left.
Now, less than three years of provision remains for the Muslim community in Sheffield.
Mr Hussain said to the council: “We weren't taken seriously enough. We had no recourse but to take this to the public, and the public outcry is here in front of you.”
For Muslims, burial is a religious obligation, so cremation is not an option.
In total, there are 16 council-owned cemeteries in Sheffield and there are Muslim areas in just three of those.
However, Tinsley Park cemetery is already closed to new Muslim burials and flooding at both Shiregreen and Abbey Lane cemeteries is exacerbating both the shortage and the stress it is causing.
During the debate, Councillor for Ecclesall, Shaffaq Mohammed, shared his own worries that his mother’s desire to be buried in her home city would not be possible.
He said: “I want people like my mother to be able to have their final wishes granted.”
The council admitted that it has been aware of the need for more burial site provision for over ten years.
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee assured the campaigners that the council bereavement services have been working hard on the issue.
Earlier this year, they approved a comprehensive burial, cremation and cemetery green space strategy which will set a clear path for ensuring long term burial space provision.
However, Cllr Crossland noted that the city cannot wait for this strategy to come into effect.
He said: “We have to find new land now. The clock has been ticking for a long time.”
Campaigners and councillors alike were delighted that the council voted unanimously to refer the issue to the Strategy and Resources Policy committee, one of the most senior groups within the council.
Mr Hussain said he would be looking for a concrete plan from the council in the coming months and urged them to consider the potential consequences of not acting.
He said: “A gentleman, 108 years-old, who fought for this country in two world wars, passed away last week. Imagine if he passed away last week and there was no grave for him to be buried in.”
Storm Darragh: yellow warning issued for Sheffield
Storm Darragh is most likely to affect Sheffield this weekend as a yellow warning has been issued by the Met Office for Yorkshire, with wind speeds expected to reach up to 70mph.
Heavy rain is also expected to impact Sheffield during the weekend, as indicated by the rainfall period experienced yesterday.
Around 20-30 mm of rain is expected widely around the UK while some areas may receive rainfall up 50-60 mm.
People are also being advised to be wary of flying debris during Storm Darragh as it could lead to injuries and may potentially pose a danger to life. The strong winds of the storm may even cause damage to buildings.
Jason Kelly, Met Office Chief Forecaster, said: “Storm Darragh is an evolving system and will bring several hazards which could include power cuts and traffic disruptions.”
Streets Ahead, responsible for highway maintenance works across Sheffield, have set up additional teams on standby from Friday noon to Monday 7am, in preparation for Storm Darragh’s impact on Sheffield.
Storm Darragh is likely to hit the coastal areas of Wales and southwest England the hardest. A red wind weather warning has been issued for such areas in the UK where winds may travel up to 90mph.
Storm Darragh is the fourth named storm of this season in the UK. Storm Ashley was the first one to hit back in October, followed by Storm Bert and Storm Conall, both in November.
Sheffield bus decorated to raise money for Children’s Hospital
Snowflakes have been painted on Sheffield bus as part of First Bus South Yorkshire's re-established partnership with Sheffield Children's Hospital.
The bus company is re-starting their partnership with the Snowflake Appeal, fundraising for Sheffield Children's Hospital to raise awareness and provide better care and facilities.
The campaign, which started in 2004, has been raising money for the improvement in care for children across the UK. This year in Sheffield the money raised will go to an innovative new technology centre.
A dedicated bus has been launched, decorated with snowflakes, traveling across Sheffield. It will mainly appear on the 51 and 52a bus routes as it will pass in front of the hospital.
Holly Newton-Steele, Corporate Partnership Office at Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity said: “The Children’s Hospital Charity is so excited to get our partnership with First Bus on the road!
“With this special vehicle, First Bus is helping us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our Snowflake campaign. and we're so grateful to them for supporting the occasion.”
First Bus have supported the hospital for over 20 years. Many families connected to the bus company have received care from the hospital.
Lauren Wilks, Marketing Executive of First Bus Midlands, Manchester and South Yorkshire said: “Sheffield’s Children Hospital means a lot to the people of First Bus. They have provided life saving care to our families and we are so happy to be partnering up with them again.”
During the Christmas period, they will be bringing back their popular Santa Bus, with Father Christmas and elves on board. They will be raising money and awareness for the hospital’s phenomenal work, as well as bringing the festive vibe across the city with a cheaper alternative.
The bus will run from 16th December to Christmas Eve.
Sheffield widow launches firefighters’ safety crusade
The widow of a decorated Sheffield fireman who died earlier this year has launched a letter-writing campaign for safer working conditions for firefighters.
Anne Davies, 67, of Ecclesall, watched her husband Jeff Simpson die in her arms on 11 April, less than 20 hours after a lung cancer diagnosis.
Jeff had served in fire brigades across the country for 35 years, and received numerous awards for gallantry after saving a 14-year-old from drowning at the London Docks.
She now believes that years of workplace exposure to toxic hazards and a lack of adequate health screening may have contributed to his death, and that existing PPE and guidance were not enough to protect him.
Anne began researching the causes of lung conditions in firefighters shortly after Jeff passed away, and said: “I felt frustrated that this wasn’t being discussed, and angry that his lung cancer hadn’t been identified earlier.
“Jeff died too young, too suddenly, and it has left a hole in our family that cannot ever be filled.”
Many firefighters develop lung cancer as a complication of interstitial lung disease (ILD), a complex of illnesses which cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs. Studies from the United States show that firefighters are four times more likely to develop ILD than the general population.
Firefighters may also be exposed to a variety of other airborne carcinogens, such as asbestos, silica, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Anne is encouraging current and former firefighters to contact their GPs and request that their profession be added to their medical records. She is also lobbying for regular health screenings, and better guidance on workplace hazards & proper disposal of protective equipment such as breathing apparatus (BA).
A fire engine outside of Sheffield Central Fire Station. Credit: author.
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has thrown its resources behind the campaign, providing members with a letter template for their GPs and a range of resources on decontamination best practices.
The FBU’s centennial lottery funds further research into links between cancer and fire contaminants at the University of Lancashire.
Gavin Marshall, regional secretary of the FBU for Yorkshire and Humberside, argues that both improved funding for fire services and effective legislation on hazardous materials are needed to improve health outcomes, particularly in cities such as Sheffield.
He cites the importance of readily-available safety infrastructure, such as industrial washing machines or mobile PPE disposal facilities, to preventing the build-up of contaminants, saying: “If we have those national standards, we don’t end up with a postcode lottery where London has all the equipment they need but South Yorkshire only has one or two items”.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue emphasised that the health and safety of their employees is a top priority, and that they have taken numerous steps to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminants.
They said: “Our thoughts go out to Anne and all of the family and friends of Jeff Simpson for their tragic loss."
Anne described Jeff as a lifelong campaigner, socialist and trade unionist, and hopes that her campaign will continue his legacy of commitment to equality and fairness.
She said: “If Jeff’s passing can help raise awareness and drive change for other firefighters, and stop their families losing a loved one too soon like we have, I know he would be extremely proud.”
Sheffield United £100m deal takeover in final stage after ‘punishing 4-5 months’
Sheffield United chairperson Yusuf Giansiracusa has confirmed the club has received English Football League (EFL) approval from COH Sports over their proposed takeover of the team on Thursday.
Prince Abdullah Bin Mosaad Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who owns the Blades, agreed to sell the EFL club in October.
Spearheaded by financier Steven Rosen and health entrepreneur Helmy Eltoukhy, COH Sports are set to provide significant funds to manager Chris Wilder in the upcoming January transfer window.
Giansiracusa said: "Dear fans, we are pleased to hear that COH Sports has finally received EFL approval. We look forward to updating you over the coming days."
Wilder was asked about the club takeover at a press conference on Friday. He said: “With all due respect, it was a couple of weeks ago Rob asked me the question and out of the blue, I answered it openly and honestly. And as far as I'm concerned, that would be the first and last time I would speak about it - in terms of the content of what my answer was. So, that's where I'm at with it,”
With 38 points from 18 matches, table-toppers United are scheduled to take on West Brom on Sunday in their Championship away match. Last season, Sheffield was the first team to get relegated from the Premier League after their big defeat to Newcastle United.
Wilder explained that the Blades had a tough time and it was punishing 4-5 months for everybody at the club. Talking about his return at Bramall Lane, Wilder expressed his gratitude to Prince Abdullah and the board for showing faith in the manager.
Wilder also spoke about the ups and downs of the Blades over the last 12 months. Recalling the "harsh reality" of the Premier League, the Sheffield head coach asserted that his side was "battered, bruised and ridiculed" as a football club.
He said: "I went on record saying the best part of the club was the support from our fans and the academy, knowing there was an incredible amount of work that needed to be done in the summer. That's my reason in terms of not really talking about takeovers and everything else."
After the Blades sealed their promotion in the Premier League under Wilder, Prince Abdullah won a High Court battle to take control of the Sheffield-based football club in 2019.
Safe Square returning to Sheffield this Saturday
The Safe Square provides a safe space for people seeking help on nights out in Sheffield city centre.
It is returning on 7th December will operate every Saturday for the remainder of the month.
More to follow.
Nationwide train disruptions cause major delays during rush-hour
National Rail warns of train delays which have disrupted several rush-hour trains.
The disruption is due to a problem with the communication system used by train drivers and signallers.
More updates to follow as the story develops.
Sheffield Council responds to petition over lack of burial spaces
Sheffield City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to address the shortage of burial spaces in the city in response to a petition created by Abid Hussain.
The Muslim community is particularly affected by the shortage, with less than three years of spaces remaining.
More updates to follow.
WATCH HERE: Exclusive video interview with Willis Marshall, Sheffield’s youngest sitting councillor
Watch Sheffield Wire's exclusive interview with Willis Marshall, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Woodhouse by-election.
Marshall, 19, is a student at the University of Sheffield, who beat Reform UK’s Andy Hizzard by just 10 votes in the election on November 28th.
Depleted Steelers aim to bounce back in derby face off
The Sheffield Steelers return to the Utilita Arena this Saturday to face off with the Nottingham Panthers, a big derby in English hockey’s Elite Ice Hockey League.
The Panthers last game on home ice was a 2-4 defeat to the Dundee Stars last Sunday, a game which frustrated head coach Aaron Fox.
He said: “We didn’t have a lot of get up and go in our game tonight.
“We’re banged up with guys not in our lineup and banged up with guys in our lineup that are playing through some stuff.”
The Steelers suffered back to back defeats after a trip to Wales on Wednesday night ended in a 6-3 defeat to the Cardiff Devils.
The squad has been hit with several absences and injuries in recent weeks, leaving Fox to pick from a depleted group of players.
He said: “We’ve built this team on pace and depth.
“When you’re thin and banged up and tired it’s hard to play that way.”
Despite this, Steelers player Maxime Golod has hit good form recently, picking up man of the match and a goal against Dundee.
Fox described him as a “good skill guy” who has injected some energy and life into the Steelers.
The side have also been reinforced by goaltender Jere Huhtamaa who arrived from Finland this week. He is set to start against Nottingham tomorrow.
Fox claimed his 223rd win as coach last Saturday against Manchester, meaning he now has more wins than any other Steelers coach.
A 224th win for the Steelers under Fox this Sunday could lift them as high as second in the Elite League table.
Despite the recent dip in form, The Steelers go into the match in fourth place, three places above their opponents.
Nottingham come into this game on the back of two wins, setting up what should be a highly contested match this Sunday.
Sheffield’s homeless charities in year-round crisis
Sheffield's homeless charities are at breaking point as they constantly battle to help the increasing number of people who are sleeping on the streets.
Temperatures across the city plummeted last week marking the first snowfall of the season, triggering Sheffield’s Severe Weather Protocol (SWEP). But the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Jayne Dunn believes the “rain is just as important as the cold” and more needs to be done to help homeless people battling against other extreme weather conditions.
"What we do need is wrap around support for personalised aid for homeless people. It works but it's very very expensive, what we need is long term funding,"
- CLLR DUNN
SWEP is launched when temperatures reach -2°C for three consecutive hours. Under this protocol, emergency accommodation is provided as a temporary solution for people tackling homelessness this winter.
The Mayor has emphasised that homelessness isn't just about surviving extreme temperatures until SWEP is activated. Rain and wind chill, which aren't factored into weather protocols, are the real dangers to people sleeping rough.
She says: “Rain is just as important as the cold, it’s not something we should only be thinking about when it snows, we should be thinking about it all the time.”
Cllr Dunn advocates for personalised support for people experiencing homelessness to bring Sheffield’s rising homelessness figures down for good.
She supports The Archer Project, a Sheffield homeless charity, and their year-round approach to tackling the homelessness crisis. The organisation works on the frontline to provide emergency, trauma-informed services to help those people who are sleeping rough all year round.
Joe Logan, Fundraising Officer for the charity, says the dangers of all extreme weather conditions, not just cold, are amplified for the homeless.”
“Dehydration, sunstroke, severe sunburn, everything that people are told to think about when the sun comes out is double, triple for people experiencing homelessness.”
- Joe Logan
Unfortunately, the charity is at its breaking point and cannot cope with the rise in demand. CEO, Tim Renshaw, told the BBC: "We used to just about cope cooking 15,000 meals a year. We're expecting to cook 28,000 this year."
On November 6, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced a £10m emergency fund aimed at preventing deaths of those sleeping rough this winter.
A shocking 1474 people died due to homelessness in 2023 alone, a 42% increase from the previous year and double the recorded deaths in 2022.
Yorkshire and The Humber are set to receive more than £1m of the finances to help 16 of its most vulnerable areas, with £240,000 allocated to Sheffield.
Homelessness is an escalating problem in the city, where more than 4000 families and people reported they were homeless in 2023.
During the emergency announcement, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner described the crisis as “a national disgrace, and we can’t keep sticking plasters on it”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget also announced a further £233m dedicated to homeless services from April 2025.
This pledge, the emergency fund, and existing government financial plans brings the budget for tackling homelessness and investing in services with a budget of £1bn for 2025/26.
Emmaus Sheffield provides supported accommodation, personalised support and training schemes to help homeless people regain their identity and independence.
The charity, which aims to provide a home for however long a person needs it, runs 33 projects in the UK and has 425 sites worldwide.
When Emmaus Sheffield first opened in 2007, it had five bedrooms, today it accommodates 18 people. To cope with the rising demand, they hope to build four additional bedrooms and a bigger kitchen.
Unfortunately, people who have been referred to the charity’s site are often kept on a waiting list for nearly six months.
“We very rarely have vacancies. It’s not really a winter crisis,” says Lesley Morgan, community leader of the Sheffield branch. “It’s just constant, it’s not just a winter thing for us, it's every month of the year. We are full from January through to December.”
Emmaus’ year-round, wrap-around support increases the likelihood of its residents finding a job and moving on from the project.
The charity has a dedicated workshop on-site that provides carpentry training to its residents. Their work is then put up for sale on-site and at local markets.
The residents are also offered gym memberships and driving lessons to help with their rehabilitation and increase their employability.
But when the residents of the charity are ready to live independently, they often struggle to find social housing.
“There is a massive problem, when someone is ready to move out, we can’t actually find them affordable housing, so they’re turning jobs away because they’ve got nowhere they can afford to live,” says Lesley.
Emmaus and The Archer Project's year-round commitments to rehabilitation and support are being undermined by the lack of social housing for people emerging from homelessness.
Joe Logan, of the Archer Project, blames failings in social policy. He says: “There needs to be a recognising of the surrounding contributing factors to people experiencing homelessness.”
To fight this crisis, the city’s leading charities are working tirelessly on ensuring that the fight against homelessness is not a seasonal effort.
Historic Sheffield derby cup clash set for early next year
The oldest derby in world football is set to be reignited with a fiery cup clash between Hallam FC and Sheffield FC.
The two teams last played each other competitively in 2012.
The match will take place at Hallam FC’s home ground, Sandygate on 31st January 2025.
The inaugural derby match was played on Boxing Day of 1860 under ‘Sheffield Rules’, which differ slightly from the FA rules that football fans have come to know and love.
Sheffield Rules resembled the beginnings of modern footballing rules, including offsides, but did not contain key rules such as penalty kicks or having one designated goalkeeper.
Sheffield FC, formed in 1857, currently compete in the Northern Premier League Division One East, the seventh tier of English football, and currently sit bottom of the league table.
Hallam FC play in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, a tier below Sheffield FC, and are currently pushing towards the top of the league.
Dylan Ralph, employee of Sheffield FC, expects a busy crowd to attend the match.
He said: “ I reckon we could probably get 1300 people maybe. So it will be amazing, it’ll be very busy.
"It will be a very good atmosphere, despite there being a lot more neutral fans.”
The match is a great opportunity for neutral fans to attend a historic fixture that will no doubt be competitive and lively.
As the ‘rules derby’ will take place as part of the Sheffield Senior Cup, the profits made from the game will be shared between the two clubs, injecting a significant amount of money into the infrastructures of both sides.
The groundsman of Hallam FC, Andy Taylor, commented on the scale of the match.
He said: “It’s much anticipated amongst football fans around the country and even globally. This week alone we’ve had visitors coming from Norway and Suffolk, and every week there’ll be visitors from all over the world to visit Sandygate.”