Category: crosspool

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Smiley Crosspool Big Issue in the North seller earns award

Crosspool Big Issue in the North seller Mohammad Iqbal picks up his award
Crosspool Big Issue in the North seller Mohammad Iqbal picks up his award

The dedicated approach of Mohammed Iqbal, Crosspool’s vendor for The Big Issue in the North, has been recognised with a special award.

Mohammed sells the magazine outside Spar in the precinct. He was recently presented with the award by the magazine’s Sheffield office.

In the article below Mohammed explains a bit more about his background, why 2012 was a difficult year for him and his experiences of selling in Crosspool. The piece originally appeared in the Big Issue in the North and is reproduced here with permission.

Well done to Mohammed and thanks to Heather for spotting the article and letting us know about the news.

Smiley vendor earns award

One of Sheffield’s vendors, Mohammad Iqbal, has been rewarded for his tireless work over the past year, being given the Sheffield office’s Most Dedicated Vendor of 2012 award as part of its end of year celebrations.

Iqbal, 45, has been selling The Big Issue in the North for nine years in Yorkshire, between Scunthorpe, Barnsley and Sheffield, and is now reaping the rewards with an impressive sales record on his new pitch.

Iqbal said: “I have been selling at Crosspool since June, which has been really good as I now have a lot of regular customers there who have started calling me ‘Smiley’. The manager and staff are very friendly. They let me stand under their shelter and so I return the favour by helping the shop’s customers with their trolleys. I’ve even stopped a thief running away from the shop twice, which they thanked me for.”

Having a good relationship with his customers and the public means a lot to Iqbal. “I enjoy talking to people, and working each day helps keep me in good spirits and motivated to improve my situation. My family live in Pakistan, and being so far away makes it difficult, but selling the magazine helps keep me busy whilst making the money I need.

“2012 was a very difficult year for me, as I lost three very close members of my family; my son Akhtar, my daughter Sophia and my mother. But I have worked very hard every day selling the magazine so that I can support them as much as I can, to pay my own way for things, and to put some money in savings, which will help me in the future.

“My main aim is to try and get my family to move over to England this year, which would make me a very happy man. I’m very thankful to anyone who buys my magazines and helps me do this.”

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Streets Ahead project in Crosspool: roadshow and schedule

The roads, pavements and streetlights of Sheffield are due to be upgraded as part of the Streets Ahead project over the next few years.

You can find out more about Streets Ahead in Crosspool, including what will change and timescales at a roadshow on 13 February at Wesley Hall in Crookes (S10 1UD) – details below.

Work around Crosspool is scheduled to begin in April starting in the Tapton Hill area.

This online map allows you to search by postcode to find an approximate date for when the work will take place on your street.

Streets Ahead roadshow
Streets Ahead roadshow
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Your views wanted on the future of our Community Assemblies – deadline Monday

The council is consulting on the future of Community Assemblies. Four main proposals are on the table in response to cuts in government funding and a reduction in services.

Crosspool is part of South West Community Assembly. Community Assemblies currently help decide how services in Sheffield are delivered. The idea is that many decisions that were made in the town hall – including how to spend a Community Assembly budget – are now made within communities via assemblies.

The deadline for responding to the proposals with your comments is tomorrow, Monday 28 January 2013.

Read more about the proposals and fill in the online feedback form.

You can also telephone 0114 273 5299 to give your opinion, or complete a questionnaire over the phone with a member of staff.

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Hillside Harvest open days in February and March

Budding and experienced gardeners will be interested in the Hillside Harvest Open Days in February and March:

  • 16 February – Open Day with Composting workshops (introductory and for more experienced)
  • 16 March – Open Day with Plot Planning workshops (introductory and for more experienced)

For more information, including times and the availability of free minibus lifts for 16 February and 16 March, check the Hillside Harvest website. Places are limited, so please let the organisers know soon if you intend to come.

To sign up for a lift/workshop email info@hillsideharvest.org.uk or phone Nick/Eleanor on 0114 2301 406 or Gareth on 07940 533 603.

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Lydgate reservoir ‘no longer available’ for housing

A confidential report leaked to The Star has revealed that Lydgate reservoir is no longer being considered by Yorkshire Water as a site for housing.

Although 900 new homes are planned for other locations, The Star report confirms:

Three proposed sites, two in Crookes and one in Tinsley, have been withdrawn, and three others are to have fewer homes than suggested.

Hadfield and Lydgate reservoirs in Crookes, where 60 homes were proposed, are no longer available – Yorkshire Water wants to keep them in use.

Read the full report on The Star website

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Snow causes disruption in Crosspool

Crosspool precinct this morning
Crosspool precinct this morning

Snow falling in Crosspool over the last 48 hours has caused problems on local roads and disruption to public transport and events.

Major roads were gritted in preparation for the snowfall, which was over 10cm deep in some areas.

On Friday night, 51 buses were terminating at Crosspool instead of Lodge Moor, and Gleadless Town End instead of Charnock going the other direction. As of 12pm Saturday, the service was reported to be running as normal. Latest updates to public transport are on the Travel South Yorkshire website.

The main roads through Crosspool were also clear of snow on Saturday morning. However, surface snow and ice on side roads were continuing to cause problems for cars and pedestrians.

If you fancy helping clear the pitch at Sandygate, Hallam FC are looking for volunteers. Soup and sandwiches will be provided for anyone who turns up to lend a hand!

An Open Day at Hillside Harvest has also fallen victim to the weather.

Do also check up on your neighbours who may feel isolated and vulnerable during the cold spell.

Wrapping up warm at the shops
Wrapping up warm at the shops
Clearing snow at Sandygate
Clearing snow at Sandygate
Gritting Cardoness Road
Gritting Cardoness Road
Cairns Road
Cairns Road
Manchester Road snow sculpture. Photo: David Rumsey
Manchester Road snow sculpture. Photo: David Rumsey
A lorry stuck in the ice at the top of Darwin Lane
A lorry stuck in the ice at the top of Darwin Lane
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Crosspool Forum Open Meeting on Thursday 24 January 2013

Crosspool Forum’s next Open Meeting will take place on Thursday 24 January at St Columba’s church. It starts at 7pm.

Come along and give your concerns on local issues to local councillors, the police and officials.

The guest speaker at this meeting is Mark Johnson from City Wide Care Alarms who will be talking about how you can remain safe, secure and independent in your home.

The church hall at St Columba’s has been redecorated and a new sound system installed.

View the Open Meeting provisional agenda (PDF, 66KB)

Crosspool Forum Open Meeting January 2013
Crosspool Forum Open Meeting January 2013 – click for provisional agenda (PDF, 66KB)
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Crosspool speed skater takes silver at national championship

Harry Jessop (front) competes at the British Short Track Speed Skating Championship in Nottingham
Harry Jessop (front) competes at the British Short Track Speed Skating Championship in Nottingham

Well done to 11-year-old Harry Jessop from Crosspool who has won a silver medal at a prestigious national speed skating championship.

Harry fought off tough competition to finish second in the under-11s category of the British Short Track Speed Skating Championship, in Nottingham.

The two-day competition required racing over three different lengths – 500m, which he won; 333m, in which he came fifth after a fall; and a 222m race which saw him come in third. The three race times are averaged to provide an accumulated score.

Harry, who trains with Sheffield Speed Skating Club at iceSheffield, was a fraction away from winning the overall tournament which involved competitors from as far as London, Birmingham and Dundee.

Harry on the podium
Harry with his silver medal on the podium

He said: “I feel really proud of myself because I haven’t been skating for that long – only 18 months. It was a bit hectic rushing around and changing my skates but I did well in the end.

“Speed skating is really important to me – it’s my favourite thing in the world and I just love it. My mum encouraged me to go to my first session at iceSheffield and I just wanted to keep on doing it.”

Harry’s mum Clare said: “It’s a great sport to be involved in – iceSheffield has a great atmosphere and everyone’s lovely. It’s good for the children because it teaches them to look out for each other and practice discipline.”

Harry’s skating success comes as Michael O’Dea, Sheffield Speed Skating Club’s oldest member at 67, has qualified for the European Masters Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Holland on Saturday 19 January.

Mandy Parker, general manager at iceSheffield, which is operated by Sheffield International Venues (SIV) said: “Harry and Michael’s skating success is great for iceSheffield and the Sheffield Speed Skating Club. It shows that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy and succeed in sport, and we wish Michael the best of luck for the European Masters.”

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Lost black cat: have you see Pudding in Crosspool?

Pudding the cat
Have you see Pudding the cat in Crosspool?

On Saturday 5 January 2013 a black cat called Pudding went missing from his home on Cairns Road. Have you seen him?

He is around 10 years old (the owners don’t know for certain as he was rescue cat), with black long fur with a brownish chest and green/yellow eyes. A distinguishing feature is a little nick in his tongue. He doesn’t have a collar and isn’t microchipped.

The owners are asking whether you could check your garage, basement, greenhouse and shed in case Pudding – who also responds to the name Wow Wow – is trapped inside.

If you think you might have seen him, please ring the owner on 07904 468589.