Category: environment

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Community Allotment Group

Would you like to join a community allotment group?

Hagg Lane Organic Allotments, Plots 2 and 3, Back Lane, Sheffield S10, are looking for new members.

If you enjoy gardening and growing organically or if you’re thinking of an allotment of your own and would like to try gardening on an allotment scale first, why not come and visit to see if you would like to join us.

Currently we meet on Tuesday and Friday mornings at around 10.00am.

We have two plots imaginatively named Plot 2 and Plot 3 and currently have 13 adult and several school age members.

Plot 2 is a large area gardened before us by Richard Clare. The plot benefited from Richard’s pioneering ideas regarding the use of organic growing. Sadly, Richard passed away in 2013. Subsequently the group was formed and with the support of the National Trust took over the plot though we are now entirely independent.

Plot 3 which came under our care in 2021 has soft fruit, a small orchard, grape vines, soft fruit, asparagus, a secure shed and water tank.

Consequently, we have some years of experience gardening and maintaining the soil health of our plots. We share our knowledge and skills and as a result have all become better gardeners.

Any surplus produce is donated to Foodbanks and Food serve. In recent years we have also welcomed school groups onto the site for environmental visits.

Membership is currently £50 per person per year. This covers rent, insurance & tools etc.

If this friendly cooperative sounds like something that you might be interested in joining, to arrange a visit to meet us, please contact:
Simon Martínez Tele: 07713133809 Email:  simonmartinez1937@yahoo.com 

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Christmas Tree Recycling Event Postponed

Due to dangerous weather conditions, we have reluctantly had to cancel today’s Christmas tree recycling event in Crosspool, outside Direct Travel . The safety of our community is our top priority.

We have rescheduled the event for Sunday, 19th of January.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Thank you for your cooperation.

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Christmas Tree Recycling

The festive season often leads to increased waste, particularly with discarded Christmas trees contributing to landfill issues. To address this, residents of Crosspool can participate in the Crosspool Forum’s annual Christmas tree recycling initiative, which provides an eco-friendly disposal solution. This program involves a tree-shredding service funded by small donations from residents. The initiative has successfully processed hundreds of trees in recent years, significantly reducing landfill waste.

Drag your Christmas tree down to the forecourt of Direct Travel on Sunday 5th January 2025, between 10am and 11.30am were Andrew Clayton, a local tree specialist, will be ready to recycle it for you. The shredded material will be used for mulching and composting purposes.

By opting for this recycling program instead of traditional disposal methods, residents help mitigate pollution and promote sustainability. Ultimately, the Crosspool Forum’s initiative not only facilitates responsible tree disposal but also supports local community projects, making it a beneficial choice for environmentally conscious residents looking for convenient, eco-friendly solutions following the festive season.

The Crosspool Forum is grateful to Direct Travel for their generous support and cooperation in this project. They hope to see many Crosspool residents participate and contribute to the community’s environmental aims.

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Free Trees for Communities

The Mayor’s Free Trees for Communities Scheme is once again taking orders. The scheme gives packs of trees to communities across South Yorkshire to support help us plant more trees, and to make the region cleaner, greener and better off.

Trees are not just a great way to take carbon out of our atmosphere and fight climate change, they also help to protect against flooding, promote biodiversity, and improve wellbeing.

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is a partnership of four local authorities led by Mayor Oliver Coppard, working together to create a stronger, greener, fairer South Yorkshire.

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Garden waste service

In leafy Crosspool, the recent pause in garden waste collection has turned the humble green bin into a symbol of community spirit.
As residents band together, sharing tips on composting and waste management, the green bins stand ready, like soldiers awaiting orders. They’re not just receptacles for clippings and peelings anymore; they’re beacons of cooperation, patiently lined up for the next collection day, Saturday, 26th October.
Remember to set your alarms and wheel out your green companion by 7am.
Keep abreast of updates from the Sheffield County Council website and other local news sources.

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Garden waste services continue to be suspended

The suspension of the garden waste collection service due to strike action is an unfortunate situation that affects scores of residents. . It’s important for subscribers to stay informed through the official Violia Service Alerts for updates on the service’s status.
Once the strike’s full impact is assessed, authorities will likely implement measures to address any missed collections, ensuring that subscribers receive the services they have paid for.
In the meantime, residents might consider alternative methods for disposing of garden waste, such as composting at home or using community composting services in Sheffield.

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Friends of Lydgate Green

The maintenance of public gardens, such as the flower beds at Lydgate Green on Lydgate Lane, is often the result of the tireless efforts of community volunteers and local gardening enthusiasts. These individuals dedicate their time and skills to ensure that these green spaces remain vibrant and welcoming for all to enjoy. Their work not only involves the physical labour of planting and upkeep but also the knowledge of horticulture to select suitable plants and maintain them throughout the seasons. The result of their commitment is a testament to the power of community spirit and the shared value placed on natural beauty and communal well-being.

While their contributions may sometimes go unnoticed, the lush flower beds and manicured lawn edges stand as a silent tribute to their passion for gardening and their love for the community. It’s a wonderful opportunity for community members to connect with nature and each other, enhancing the local environment while forming lasting bonds. For inquiries or to lend a hand, the group can be reached at crosspoolforum@gmail.com

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Broomhill Community Library

Starting this Friday 6th September, Broomhill Community Library, Taptonville Road
Heritage on your doorstep! Lots of events to choose from around heritage, gardening, and the environment with several authors talking about local history and well-being as well as heritage activities for kids.

Exploring local heritage can be a fascinating journey into the past, offering a unique glimpse into the history and culture that shaped our community.
Events like those at Broomhill Community Library provide an excellent opportunity for individuals and families to engage with their local history through a variety of activities. From talks by authors who delve into the nuances of local history and its impact on well-being, to hands-on heritage activities designed for children, these events serve as a bridge connecting the past to the present. Gardening and environmental workshops also highlight the importance of preserving and understanding our natural surroundings, emphasizing the role of community in maintaining our shared legacy.

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Retrospective Application Update

Manchester Road/Stephen Hill Road
Manchester Road

In response to the Crosspool community’s concerns regarding the costly modifications to a property on Manchester Road, the Crosspool Forum contacted local Councillor Ruth Milsom. The aim was to seek clarity from the Planning Officer overseeing the retrospective application.
The Planning Officer has provided this update on the situation, detailing the current status of the application and the next steps in the process.

“SCC’s position remains that anything less than the reinstatement of the original bay windows at no. 496 will be unacceptable. We appreciate the critical contribution that bay windows make to the uniform character of that stretch of Manchester Road, and therefore the significant visual harm that has resulted from the non-approved works at no. 496.

“The applicant has been made aware that the current situation is not acceptable, and we are in contact to work out how the situation might progress. The applicant has taken the Extension of Time to allow additional time for them to assess what path they should take. If they do choose to stick with a scheme that does not meet our requirements, it is likely that permission will be refused with enforcement action to follow. They could then appeal this refusal, though, which would further delay reaching a satisfactory conclusion. Nonetheless, it should be within our powers to hold them to what they said they would do originally in 23/00299/FUL, and restore the appearance of the area.”

About the most recent matter of the contractor continuing with exterior rendering work even while there is an outstanding retrospective planning application, the officer’s comment was that Planning Enforcement has discretion over what to take issue with and when. They can issue a ‘Stop’ notice if ongoing work is causing ‘egregious harm’ to the amenity of the area, but it is unlikely that such a response would be proportionate to the rendering work. If planning permission is refused as we expect, it is just more finished work for the developer to undo.

This proactive approach by the Crosspool Forum exemplifies the importance of community engagement in local planning matters.

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Rivelin Valley Conservation Group 2024

The Rivelin Valley Conservation Group (RVCG) is known for its dedication to preserving the natural beauty and heritage of the Rivelin Valley.
In 2024, they have a diverse array of events scheduled that promise to engage the community and further conservation efforts. These events often include talks by wildlife enthusiasts and experts, task days for hands-on involvement, and open meetings to discuss ongoing and future projects.
While specific details of the events are not available, the RVCG has a history of organizing activities that are both educational and enjoyable, contributing significantly to the local community and environment. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to connect with nature and participate in the valley’s preservation.
For more details, please refer to the RVCG website or email: rivelin.valley@gmail.com