Crookes and Crosspool Councillor, Ruth Milsom, was re-elected last Thursday with an increased vote majority. Ruth Milsom, was re-elected with 3310 votes. Her majority stands at 1122, which has increased since her first election in 2021 (majority: 308).
Councillor Ruth Milsom said: “I’m very touched that so many residents have put their faith in me to serve them and our local area for another four years. I and all those who campaigned with me to get our positive messages out are thrilled with the election result. It shows that people are pleased with the work that Cllr Minesh Parekh, MP Olivia Blake, and I have been doing – but we will never be complacent, or take people for granted. “There is always more to be done. During this election campaign, we have heard loud and clear what local issues matter most to people. I can’t wait to get started again!”
In light of the recent statutory changes implemented by the government, councils now possess the authority to impose increased fines. This development reflects a significant shift in regulatory powers, enabling local councils to more effectively enforce rules and regulations. The enhanced fining capability is anticipated to act as a deterrent against infringements and support the maintenance of community standards.
To effectively combat the widespread problems of fly-tipping and litter, local authorities are now contemplating the introduction of steeper fines. These initiatives are designed to dissuade individuals from unlawfully disposing of waste, thereby ensuring public spaces remain clean and safe for everyone.
In response to the grievances expressed by residents, weary of the constant fly-tipping and litter in their neighbourhoods, councillors at a recent Sheffield City Council budget meeting put forward a proposal to impose harsher penalties for such environmental offences. This included the introduction of new fines and increased enforcement action across the city. The proposal was accepted by a majority of councillors.
The new fines for fly tipping will rise to £1000 (up £600) and the penalty for littering is doubled to £160 (up £80). These new fines are expected to raise an additional £100k per year which will be channelled into enforcement services.
A planning application has been submitted for a new detached house with a basement garage and the provision of a public footpath to an adjacent site.
The proposed development on Land at the corner of Moorbank Drive & Coldwell Lane Crosspool, Sheffield S10 5TH, involves the removal of three mature trees that are currently under a Tree Preservation Order. (Tree Preservation Order No. 808/296) The trees are of high amenity value and contribute to the character and appearance of the area. Felling the trees would result in a significant loss of biodiversity and green infrastructure, and would be contrary to the local and national planning policies that seek to protect and enhance the natural environment.
The deadline for public comments is 8th November 2023. You can view the details and submit your feedback online Sheffield City Council Planning Apps 23/01906/FUL.
Yesterday, Wednesday 20th September, Sheffield Councillors voted to make the “School Street” serving Westways Primary School in Crookes permanent.
School Streets are a pioneering approach to transforming road safety and air quality outside schools, whereby car traffic is restricted, to create safer, healthier and more pleasant walking environments for school children. This School Street has been in operation for Westways Primary since the beginning of the Crookes and Walkley Active Neighbourhood in April 2022. Councillors serving on Sheffield’s Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee voted to approve the measure being permanent, following a successful trial period.
Charles Hollamby, the Head of School at Westways Primary, said: “’The School Street has been really well received by our school community here at Westways. It helps provide a calmer and safer start (and end) to the school day for our families who use our gates on Mona Avenue.’
Fran, whose daughter attends Westways Primary School, said: “I’m often walking three children and a dog to school and the School Street gives you much more peace of mind when approaching school, before I was always worried about cars suddenly pulling in or out. It’s made a huge difference and there’s definitely less vehicle fumes on the way in. “It’s also really useful for children to learn some road safety skills on the journey in a safer environment. It enables my daughter to practice crossing the road independently and safely.”
Westways’ School Street measure consists of:
a prohibition of motor vehicles on Mona Avenue and Mona Road, except for residents who live on those roads, on Mondays to Fridays from 8:15-9:15am and 2:45-3:45pm
one way on Mona Avenue and part of Mona Road
No waiting at any time on parts on Mona Road
Ruth Milsom, Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, said: “Through this School Street, our schoolchildren are gaining a safer road that’s easier to navigate, quieter, calmer, and safer. Westways’ School Street has been a success, and I’m keen to see many more rolled out across the city.”
Minesh Parekh, Councillor for Crookes and Crosspool, said: “Far too many schools are on or near to roads with illegal levels of air pollution. As a society, we need to do far more to give our children and young people a safe route to and from school. I’m really pleased that Westways’ School Street has been such a success: giving our young people a safer, calmer and less polluted environment when entering and leaving school.”
At today’s full council meeting, Crookes and Crosspool Councillor Ruth Milsom called on the Council to investigate bringing the disused sports ground at Weston View in Crookes into community use.
At today’s full council meeting, Crookes and Crosspool Councillor Ruth Milsom called on the Council to investigate bringing the disused sports ground at Weston View in Crookes into community use. The Derek Dooley Sports and Community Centre, currently closed, is named after the notable footballer who took key roles at both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United throughout his lifetime, including as player, manager and chairman. It is owned by Sheffield United Football Club and its community foundation. Councillor Ruth Milsom tabled the following question to the Councillor Richard Williams, Chair of the Council’s Communities, Parks and Leisure policy committee: “What discussions, if any, have taken place with SUFC about their disused sports ground at Weston View in Crookes and ways to bring it into community use?”
The centre has previously been operated as a gym and community sports facility, and as recently as 2019 Sheffield United FC advertised coaching sessions for boys and girls at the centre. The same SUFC coaching provision is now being offered at the Bole Hill Recreation Ground, with the Weston View site sitting empty. At the meeting, Cllr. Milsom pressed Cllr. Williams about the site, asking for the Council to negotiate community usage with SUFC, calling it a ‘shame’ that the site isn’t being used.
Cllr Milsom said: “It is a real shame that at Weston View there is the potential for a high-quality community facility, that is currently sat being unused. I’ve had conversations with local residents, with community organisations like the Crosspool Juniors Football Club, and know how valuable it would be if we could bring a new life to that site “When it is named the Derek Dooley Sports and Community Centre, it should be open to the local community to use. I hope the Council and SUFC can come together and find a solution to bring it back to life.”
Meurig Edwards, Chairman of Crosspool Juniors Football Club, said: “We are working hard to improve our facilities and we have a long-term plan to develop and improve our site at Myers Grove, but we desperately need more grounds for training and matches, within easy reach of Crosspool and surrounding areas. “It’s sad to say that with our current facilities, we can’t meet the needs of all of our teams. Some of our matches are cancelled for lack of space to play. This is disappointing and frustrating for everyone involved. It affects our teams and players from across Sheffield and South Yorkshire who we play against.” “There is a real shortage of artificial and floodlit pitches which are vital for training in the darker winter months. We have seen growth in grassroots football recently, especially in new girl’s and women’s teams. Facilities have not kept pace with this welcome increase in participation.” “Any new sites we could access would mean more matches and training sessions and all the benefits they bring to children in our area and across Sheffield and South Yorkshire. We would appreciate any opportunity to use the Weston View site in Crookes.”
LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES give you the chance to raise your views, share your opinion on what the council does in your area and contribute to making changes in your neighbourhood. As a resident living in South West Sheffield, this is your opportunity to say what you would like to see improved.
How you can get involved
Your South West Local Area Committee is conducting a survey to see if there has been any change in the priorities identified in the community plan. Any new priorities will be considered and relevant projects can be developed.
Your South West Local Area Committee would love to hear your views on what’s most important in the South West Local area.
Polling Stations are open from 7 am to 10 pm, tomorrow Thursday, May 4th, 2023. You must vote at your assigned polling station. Where Do I Vote?
If you are registered to vote but don’t have your poll card, you can go to the polling station and give them your name and address. You will need Photo ID to vote at polling stations!
Crookes & Crosspool Ward Candidates
Roger Barnsley – Conservative and Unionist Party
Joe Hibbert – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
Crosspool News - crosspool.info 