Update on Carver Fields

Yorkshire Water have confirmed they will proceed with installing a large underground water‑storage tank on part of Carver Fields, using statutory powers under the Utilities Act. The project is expected to take approximately 18 months and will require access for the delivery of equipment, excavation and soil removal. Construction, installation and the subsequent reinstatement of the land. Some disruption and periods of restricted access should be anticipated throughout the duration of the work. Enquiries should go through Yorkshire Water’s customer line on 0344 848 1099, quoting YW.205212. Residents are encouraged to keep a record of any communication and let the Methodist Church in Sheffield know Tel: 0114 272 6561 / 0114 299 7130 http://www.sheffieldcircuit.org.uk  so they can maintain a coordinated overview of the community concerns.

Despite the constraints, activity on the site can now move ahead. We are pleased to confirm a new partnership with Food Works, who will begin using the top paddock for growing and community activity. Their approach focuses on affordable, nature‑friendly food, environmental improvement, and hands‑on involvement for residents, schools, and local groups. Access to the site will remain open and encouraged.

The partnership will develop in phases: 

  • Phase 1: Building relationships and engagement, starting with an open picnic in May to meet the team and shape ideas together. 
  • Phase 2: Early visible activity, including initial growing beds and small seasonal projects. 
  • Phase 3: Longer‑term development of the site, planned alongside the Yorkshire Water works, leading to a sustainable model of growing and community use.

Carver Fields still holds significant potential. The Food Works partnership provides a positive starting point, bringing immediate activity and a clear direction. Over time, this can grow into wider community events, volunteering, and improvements to access, paths, fencing, and tree care. 

Our aim is to ensure Carver Fields remains an active, safe, welcoming space shaped by the needs and ideas of local people. Further updates will follow as work progresses.

In response to growing church members and community interest in enhancing the local environment, the Crosspool Forum has been successful in securing Sheffield City Council LAC funding to help improve Calver Fields.

With this support we are looking to install two new picnic tables around the edge of the field, creating a welcoming spot for residents to meet, relax, and enjoy the space. The bench tables will sit on a recycled plastic Anchor sleeper‑style base.

This grant helps continue protecting the natural character of Calver Fields while making it an even better place for Church members and the community.

Off Road Bikers

As part of closer working with South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield City Council has agreed to capture as much data about off road bike/ quad/surron use on SCC sites as possible. By collecting this data (which will be sent to a senior analyst in the police force) SCC will help the Rural Crime Team to build a picture of which sites are affected and where to best allocate resources. Please see the below link

Damage caused by off‑road bikers.  Where there is no other information about the source of damage, beyond clear signs that it has been caused by motorbike or quad‑bike activity, this can also be recorded on the form.

Please note- if you witness ORB use on SCC sites, the form should not take the place of reporting to the police, rather it should be used in conjunction with completing the form.

https://arcg.is/1Wb0q85

Crosspool Crawl 2026

Whether you’re an experienced runner or first-time racer, come and have a go at this friendly race with beautiful views.  The race will start and finish by the Three Merry Lads pub on Remires Road S10 4LJ
Start time 18:30.

The route is 4.5 miles long and a mix of road and trail which will be fully marked out and stewarded.  Entry is open to anyone over 14. 

Cost is £10 (£5 for under 21s) All proceeds will be shared between Lydgate Junior School and a nominated charity.

If you are interested Email: crosspoolcrawl@gmail.com

Crosspool Scarecrow Competition

Fantastic prizes await, so get inventive and show us your best football‑themed creation.
Don’t forget, keep your scarecrow sturdy and wildlife‑friendly. 

Share your photos, send them to: crosspoolforum@gmail.com

Crosspool Open Meeting, Thursday 30th April, 7pm St. Columba’s Church

Crosspool Forum Open Meeting this Thursday 30th April at 7pm St Columba’s Church, Manchester Road
Guest Speakers:
Linda Gooden – King Edwards School, Head.
Cath Jackson – King Edwards School, Assistant Head.
Andy Metcalfe – Commercial Manager FirstBus.
Local council officer: Cllr Ruth Milsom, Cllr Minesh Parekh, Cllr Tim Huggan, and local police, are usually on hand to hear your views and offer friendly advice on community issues.

Hallam Art Exhibition

The Hallam Art Exhibition will take place 10am – 5pm, Saturday 2nd May to Monday 4th May at Sheffield Botanical Gardens Dorothy Fox Centre, Admission free – Refreshments

A local celebration of creativity that brings together artists, residents, and visitors in a warm community setting.

Bus Diversion Alert

Bus Service Diversion – 19 April to 2 June 2026
Due to the full closure of Manchester Road at Hollow Meadows, between Onksley Lane and Wyming Brook Drive, services 257, 257A and 257B (operated by Andrews of Tideswell) will be diverted for 7 weeks.
Buses will divert in both directions at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital via Clarkehouse Road → Brocco Bank → Ecclesall Road → Ecclesall Road South → Hathersage Road → A6187, rejoining the normal route at Yorkshire Bridge.
Delays are expected. Passengers should allow extra time for their journeys during this period.

For travel updates, visit: Travel South Yorkshire

Tune into Spring

Just a quick message to share some information from Tim Birch about the bird‑song walks he’s now offering. Tim will be leading his first session in Ecclesall Woods on Saturday 18 April, running from8:00 to 9:30am. It’s a gentle, welcoming introduction to tuning in to the sounds of our local birdlife.

Tim’s wider mission is to help more people reconnect with nature through the simple joy of birdsong. He’s also very open to running walks in other parts of Sheffield, and he’s particularly keen to support activities that help younger people build a stronger relationship with the natural world. If cost is an issue for any group or organisation, he’s more than happy to discuss reduced or no‑fee options.

If you’d like to arrange a walk, explore possibilities for your area, or just find out more, Tim’s contact details. Email: birdsongwalks@gmail.com

Happy Easter Crosspool! 

Council elections Thursday 7 May 2026

Stephen Hill church polling station in Crosspool
Stephen Hill church polling station in Crosspool

Crookes & Crosspool is one of Sheffield’s most competitive wards, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats both treating it as strategically important. Reporting from local media highlights how closely the parties watch this seat and how actively they campaign here.  

The Sheffield City Council elections take place on Thursday 7 May 2026, the date set for all local elections across England this year. This timing aligns with the national electoral calendar, which clusters local authority contests, mayoral elections, and devolved‑nation parliamentary elections on the same day

Local elections in Sheffield follow a cycle where one third of councillors are elected each year for three years out of four. The 2026 round covers the seats last contested in 2022, meaning many wards, including Crookes & Crosspool, will see familiar names returning to the ballot. The city’s political balance has been fluid in recent years, with shifts in party groupings and several by‑elections, so the 2026 vote is expected to be significant for the council’s overall direction.  

Key dates leading up to polling day

  • Register to vote deadline: Monday 20 April 2026 
  • Postal vote application deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026 
  • Proxy vote and voter ID application deadlines 5pm, Tuesday 28 April 2026 
  • Polling day: Thursday 7 May 2026, 7am–10pm  

    Councillor Candidates for Crookes & Crosspool (Dated 10th April)
  • Minesh PAREKH– Labour and Co‑operative
  • Jordan BARRY – Liberal Democrats  
  • Dylan LEWIS-CRESER – Green Party  
  • Aliou DIALLO – Conservative Party
  • Alasdair Hadrian COOK, – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition.
  • Ricia WARD – Reform UK

    Crosspool Polling Stations
  • Church Of St Columba, Manchester Road, Crosspool, Sheffield, S10 5PL
  • Crosspool District Youth Sports Trust, Coldwell Lane, Sheffield, S10 5TJ
  • Hallam FC Club House, Hallam Sports Club, Sandygate Road, Sheffield, S10 5SE
  • Stephen Hill Methodist Church, 547 Manchester Road, Crosspool, Sheffield, S10 5PL

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority runs on a four‑year cycle.
The last election was in 2022, so the next combined authority mayoral election was due this year 2026. Actually, the cycle was reset, and the next South Yorkshire mayoral election is now expected in 2028.