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Anti-Social behaviour around Frecheville Pond

Over the past few days The Birley Ward Councillors have been contacted by residents regarding the issues of Anti-Social behaviour including fireworks around Frecheville Park and Pond. Councillors have report the issues through to the police and council officers. The police have responded to say they will be going into Birley Academy to try to identify anyone involved. If they do identify the people causing this anti-social behaviour they will then deal with them with their parents. They have also said they will increase the patrols around the area.

Please do keep reporting incidents through 101. This will ensure the area is on the police hot spot list and can allocate resources accordingly.

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Speeding on Fox Lane

Residents contacted Councillor Denise Fox regarding issues of speeding vehicles on Fox Lane. The brow of the hill makes it dangerous for residents entering or leaving their driveways. Councillor Fox was joined by Councillor Karen McGowan when she set up a community speed watch session with the police on 14 September Councillor Fox is also working with officers to get the speed reduced from 40 mph to 30 mph in this location.

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ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BIRLEY BLITZ

Councillors with the Fire Cadets and Police

It was a miserable, damp and rainy Saturday morning but that did not deter the local Frecheville residents, Fire Service Cadets and police who joined the Birley Ward Councillors in cleaning up a large area of Jaunty Park. This initiative came about through a couple of residents raising concerns about fires, litter and general anti-social behaviour in park land behind Longstone Crescent. The litter pick is a follow on to work done two weeks previously by Councillors, a resident, Fire Service and Police in talking to pupils in assemblies at Birley Academy on the dangers of fire and the consequences of a criminal record.

Councillor Karen McGowan said “The response from everyone especially the local residents and the fire cadets was fantastic and I can not thank them enough. It was terrible weather but everyone did a great job”.

Councillor Bryan Lodge said “ the enthusiasm was great, residents retained some of the litter pick equipment so they can continue cleaning up the area which we are happy to support”.

Councillor McGowan added “the most encouraging part is the willingness of the local residents to form a Community Group to look after this area and some great ideas where discussed such as working with the wildlife trust to educate people on the different species of trees and animals that can be found here and creating seats areas for people to enjoy the area”.

Councillor Denise Fox said “We could not have done this without support from everyone that attended including the Councils Parks & Countryside Department who provided equipment and collected the waste. Also Ruth from the Remember When Café on Silkstone Crescent who provided warm drinks and buns. It was a real community effort and we look forward to supporting and working with the new community group in the future ”.

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Speeding Vehicles on Linley Lane

In response to complaints by local residents on speeding vehicles on Linley Lane Councillors Karen McGowan & Denise Fox held a speed watch session on 6 December with police.

Councillor Karen McGowan said “firstly I’d like to thank the residents for raising their concerns and to the police for supporting us with this activity. In the hour that we were present we recorded vehicles doing up to 55 mph which is way above the 30 mph allowed. This is a danger for anyone trying to cross the road as well as other road users and we urge drivers to slow down. To further support this work we are also moving the Birley Ward Speed Indicator Device (SID) to Linley Lane”.

Councillor Denise Fox added “Thank you to the residents who brought us flasks of coffee out which was very welcome as it was a cold morning”.

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Crime Prevention Initiative in Birley Ward

Burglar Bill

Over the last year your local councillors have been working in partnership with police to reduce crime and make residents feel safer and increase community prevention in our area. One of the initiatives provided by local councillors through the community LAP is a crime prevention pack. The packs have been offered in phases which started last year in Basegreen, Charnock and Frecheville. We are currently offering packs to those on the Birley/Thornbridge estate and over the coming months they will be offered to the remaining Birley Ward residents. The process is:

• Leaflets are delivered to the residents in the allocated phase with a deadline for requesting a pack. Requests can be made by telephone, text or email
• The information of the requests are compiled by the councillors.
• Packs are purchased through the community LAP from the police.
• Once packs are received they are deliver to the residents by the Birley Ward Councillors.

The packs contain items such as smart pens, window locks and useful literature about what householders can do to deter would be burglars.

The packs are a great reminder to us all to be on our guard and protect our property, we are glad to see many local people applying for the packs. It has also been a great opportunity for the councillors to meet and talk to residents about any concerns.

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IMPORTANT – people impersonating Amey staff

Local Councillors have received information from both the Police and Amey regarding people impersonating Amey staff and entering people’s homes saying they have resurfaced their drives and demanding money, this has happened in the Mosborough area recently.

THIS IS A SCAM – Amey do not resurface private drives or do any work on private property and do not request money direct from residents. Even if the people look official with stolen Amey hi-viz clothing, no residents should hand over any money at any time and if asked should report this to the Police.

Amey will be sending an email to their community group contacts with this information and they will also be co-ordinating with the Police to do a press release/briefing on this as well.

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Birley Labour Team’s Latest Roving Surgery

Last week saw the latest roving surgery from your Labour Councillors. Cllr’s Fox Lodge and McGowan were out meeting members of the public in the Silkstone Estate area on Wednesday 14th November. Issues raised included the condition of roads, anti social behaviour and the general finances of the council. “We were able to answer questions about the state of the roads and reassure residents that all the roads, footpaths, verges and streetlighting will be brought up to standard over the next few years now we have started the Streets Ahead project” said Cllr Bryan Lodge, adding ” the first works in our area will start next year as Birley Moor Road is included in the primary routes phase”. Anti social behaviour was raised by one resident who recognised that the problems have reduced.Said Cllr Denise Fox “It’s pleasing to hear that incidents of ASB have reduced in the area but we need to continue to work with our partners in the police and youth service to really drive out the nuisance caused by ASB”   

For more information on the Streets Ahead project, including the map of when works are scheduled in our areas, please see https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/roads/works/schemes/streetsaheadproject.html

 

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Labour SYPCC Shaun Wright Visits Birley Ward

Labour South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate Shaun Wright Visits Birley Ward
Labour South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate Shaun Wright and Councillor Denise Fox Discuss Crime Priorities with a Birley Ward Resident

On Saturday, Labour’s candidate for the vital post of South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner visited Birley Ward. Shaun Wright joined Councillor Bryan Lodge, Councillor Denise Fox, Councillor Harry Harpham and Birley Ward Labour Party Secretary Mike Drabble in touring Basegreen, where he talked to residents about their crime priorities.

Over the course of the morning many vigorous doorstep discussions took place, with residents leaving Shaun in no doubt as to the  issues the police should focus on. Shaun went away with a clear idea of their concerns – including anti-social behaviour, burglaries and the impact of drugs on communities – and pledged to do his best to address them if elected. He said:

“Visiting areas such as Basegreen is extremely valuable: there’s no substitute for talking to people and learning their views on how crime affects them. Unlike the other candidates, if elected I’ll make sure I continue to listen to the people to ensure South Yorkshire Police is not only a model of efficient policing but a force that is totally responsive to the needs of the community it serves.”

Having spent time with Shaun during his campaign, we at Birley Labour Party have no hesitation in urging all inhabitants of South Yorkshire to vote for him on November 15th. He is the only candidate for South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner that will defend front-line policing, oppose privatisation of our police force, and ensure that the police serve the interests of each and every community across the county.

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Public Q&A with South Yorkshire PCC Candidates – Monday 5th November

Sheffield First Partnership, The Star and Sheffield for Democracy invite you to attend a public question and answer session with the candidates for the post of Police & Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire on Monday 5th November 2012, 5.00 – 7.00 pm.

The candidates speaking are:

  • Shaun Wright (Labour)
  • Nigel Bonson (Conservative)
  • Robert Teal (Liberal Democrat)
  • Jonathan Arnott (UKIP)
  • David Allen (English Democrats)

This event will take place at:

Peak Lecture Theatre
The Owen Building
Sheffield Hallam University
Howard Street
S1 1WB

For any queries regarding this event, please email sheffield.first@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 273 5822.

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Labour’s South Yorkshire Police and Crime and Commissioner Candidate Shaun Wright in Birley Ward This Saturday

Shaun Wright Labour Candidate for South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner
Shaun Wright Labour Candidate for South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner

The campaign to elect South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is gathering pace, with the election being held on Thursday 15th November: that’s three weeks away. Given the lacerating cuts the coalition is inflicting on the people of South Yorkshire, it’s essential that the Labour Party candidate is elected.

As a long-serving Rotherham councillor and Vice Chairman of the South Yorkshire Police Authority, Shaun Wright has the history of public service, qualifications and experience to be an excellent Police and Crime Commissioner. He’s the only candidate standing for the post that can be trusted to protect frontline services and ensure that South Yorkshire Police continue to serve everyone in our county, regardless of their background.

The Tories and Lib Dem candidates are guaranteed to carry on their government’s remorseless attack on public services, while the candidate from the virulently right-wing UKIP would be even more draconian. A victory for any of them would be disastrous for the people of South Yorkshire.

But though we urge all eligible voters in Birley Ward to vote for Shaun Wright, we think it’s important that those who wish to have a chance to speak to the candidate, so they can put their concerns about crime and policing to him. To this end, we’ve organised for Shaun to be in our ward this Saturday: from 11:30am-1:00pm he’ll be joining us at Basegreen shops on Jaunty Way to talk to the public, and to answer your questions on the forthcoming poll. It’d be great to see as many ward residents there as possible: this is your chance to speak to Labour’s candidate in person. In addition, Councillors Bryan Lodge and Denise Fox will be there, along with members of your ward Labour Party: we’ll be happy to discuss with you just why it’s essential that Shaun is elected South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

In case you’re unaware of the location, this link to Google maps shows you where it is:

We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday. This is one of the most important elections of recent times, and we have no doubt that when you’ve joined us you’ll agree: Shaun Wright is the outstanding candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire.

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New Skate Park for Birley Ward

Birley Ward Skate Park Crossing Location
Birley Ward Skate Park Crossing Location

Following a lengthy consultation process, a new skate park has been approved for construction in Birley Ward. The skate park will be built on the car park for the playing fields at the bottom of Occupation Lane, and will provide a facility for local skateboarders to practice their sport in a place that is both safe and highly visible to the surrounding community.

The decision to give the go-ahead to the skate park was taken at the South-East Community Assembly meeting on Thursday October 11th. The decision took into account local views that were both for and against the proposal, and the impartial advice of Sheffield Council Officers, the local Safer Neighbourhood Team and the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

The council officers’ report on the viability of the project and the canvassing of local opinion can be accessed here:

Report on Proposed Skate Park for Occupation Lane Playing Fields Car Park

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Bigger Budget Cuts Destined for Sheffield – Press Release

Sheffield City Council News Release

Sheffield will have to deal with greater cuts from Government than originally anticipated which will mean tougher decisions will have to be made on where tight resources could be spent.

That is the stark but realistic warning made by Sheffield City Council leaders as they continue to plan for the budget challenges from April next year.

The local authority was bracing itself for £40m worth of Government cuts in funding for 2013/14 but now expects to have a further £10m less to spend on services and deal with additional pressures such as energy bills, rising prices and increasing demand for its services.“I am passionate about Sheffield and providing good value for money services to local people but the latest news that we will be hit even harder is a real body blow and without doubt savage and unfair,” said Cllr Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield City Council.

“Over the last two years the Council has made £141m of cuts to services as a result of the Government’s austerity programme. That equates to around £280 for every resident in this city thanks to the reduction in grants to us as a council.

“That places added strain on already stretched resources. So now we are working hard to focus on where we can possibly spend less.

“Whilst we are unable to go into detail at the moment as we now need more time to find these savings and consider proposals to take to the public, we can be certain of one thing, things will have to change as we cannot afford to stand still.

“I will not at this moment guarantee what that change will look like, what I can guarantee is that we will continue to protect services for those people who need it the most and work with businesses and our partners to make the most of opportunities to help the local economy grow and Sheffield continues to have its sights firmly set on the brightest future possible,” she added.

The Council has already drilled down on costs and saved £6m a year on IT by using an outside contractor, a further £1m could be reduced from directors’ pay bill as part of a proposed restructure which is currently out to consultation with staff affected and saving £12m this year and a further £50m over the life of the of Streets Ahead scheme to improve and maintain the city’s roads by reorganising how it is financed to save money.

“We are under no illusion that the months ahead and indeed years, are going to be the toughest we have faced in generations thanks to a double whammy of cut upon cut by the Government, “ said Cllr Bryan Lodge, Cabinet member for Finance and Resources.

“We will do all we can to reduce our spending in a fair way and minimise the impact, where we can, on our communities, However, at the moment, there is very little that we can rule in or out as we put the spotlight on our spending. It will be tough but we hope local communities will understand the position we are now put in and wherever possible work with us,” he said.

Ends