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Clive Betts MP Hails Victory On Local Planning Laws

Proposed Coalition changes to local planning laws have been controversial, with many fearing that green belt land could lose vital protections. In a constituency like Sheffield South-East, this could result in countryside at present enjoyed by all being lost to developers.

Fortunately our MP Clive Betts, in his role as chairman of Parliament’s backbench Communities and Local Government Committee, has been leading the fight against the worst aspects of the National Planning Policy Framework. On hearing news that changes to proposed legislation have led to increased protection for our green spaces, he said:

The select committee listened to the campaigners, and the Government listened to the select committee. Great credit should go to everyone who has campaigned to get this change… the draft NPPF would have reshaped England very differently if the initial plans had gone through.

Full story at the Daily Telegraph website:

Hands Off Our Land

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Raise up to £10,000 for your Community Energy Project

On Tuesday 10th April the new energyshare Fund will be launched with 8 awards of between £2,500 and £5,000 available to local energy projects. To be in with a chance there are two ways of applying – raise £5k of your own through Peoplefund.it and British Gas and energyshare will match it; or submit an online application to be considered for three lots of £2,500.

Last time around the scheme helped 4 communities realise their renewable energy projects, and between them they are set to generate enough energy to power 1,169 houses and earn a projected annual income of £500,000. This year they want to help more groups on their way, so whether you want to raise funds yourself or are looking to support a local community, register your interest on energyshare today.

Further information is available at  www.energyshare.com/community-fund/

 

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New Fire Station for Birley?

Following the decision of the Fire Authority on Monday 26th March to close Mansfield Road fire station and the retained station at Mosborough, Birley appears to be in line for a new fire station. Labour councillors Bryan Lodge, Denise Fox and Karen McGowan will seek to work with the Fire Authority to ensure that the views of the local community are considered in developing the new facility.

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Birley Community First Panel Invites Funding Applications

Are you a community group that works within Birley ward boundaries, or are you wishing to set up such a group? Then please visit the website of Birley Ward Community First Panel:

http://birleywardcommunityfirst.wordpress.com/

Birley Ward Community First Panel is part of a nationwide programme set up to help community groups, and is run under the auspices of the Community Development Foundation. The money isn’t available in all parts of Sheffield, but since Birley is one of the wards chosen to participate eligible Birley groups can get financial help which could make a real difference to what they’re doing.

To find out more, simply visit the website of Birley Ward Community First Panel. If you’not part of such a group yourself, please pass the information on. Let’s do all we can to boost community groups in Birley!

 

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Local Councillor enters Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research UK

I lost a very close friend last year after a short but very brave battle against cancer. Shannon (my daughter) and I have entered the Race for Life in memory of my good friend Jennifer Molyneux on 15 July 2012.  There isn’t a day goes by that I don’t think about her and miss her. We met at college when we were 20 years old and we had some great times together which I’ll always be grateful for. Jen was married to Brian and they have two wonderful boys. Reece and Callum were her life, she was very proud of them and they are a real tribute to her. I’m sure the day is going to be very emotional but I know Jen will be with us urging us to keep going.  We would be very grateful if you could help us raise money towards this worthwhile cause by clicking on our Just Giving page at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/Karen-ShannonMcGowan
 Many thanks
 Karen & Shannon
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New Road Safety Measures at Charnock School

 

A much safer pedestrian access to Charnock School is to be put in place over the Easter school holidays thanks to the drive and commitment of a group of parents. Birley ward councillors, Bryan Lodge, Denise Fox and Karen McGowan have been working with the parents and officers from the council’s South East Community Assembly and Road Safety Teams to deliver improved pedestrian access to the school off Carter Hall Lane. A dedicated pedestrian footway is to be marked out, with yellow ‘Keep Clear’ and zig-zags also added to help maintain a safe entrance and exit to the school. “Cars parked close to the school gate have been making it difficult for the children and parents using this entrance.  With a dedicated footpath and clearer visibility around the entrance, the risk of injury is reduced and everyone will be much safer” said Cllr Bryan Lodge.  
Cllrs McGowan, Fox and Lodge view the current access route
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Road Closures on Hopefield Avenue and Fox Lane

Local residents will have noticed that signs have appeared on Hopefield Avenue and Fox Lane.  Your Councillors have made enquiries regarding this and can advise that the reason for these closures are for the replacement of the gas main.  In addition to the closures, it will be necessary for signal controlled sections at various times to enable the work to be completed. It is envisaged that the closures will remain in place for up to ten weeks. If anyone experiences problems, please don’t hesitate to contact Bryan, Denise or Karen.

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Welcome!

Welcome to the new website of the Labour Party in Birley Ward, Sheffield. Here you’ll find information on us, how you can get involved, and what we’re doing to make a better Birley, and a better Sheffield.