Download a summary of bullet points from last Friday’s meeting:
Residents question deputy PM at Clegg Crosspool Q&A

On Friday evening (13 December) deputy prime minister and Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg held a constituency question and answer session at St. Columba’s church in Crosspool.
Chaired by Councillor Rob frost, nearly 90 local residents attended the meeting, which lasted just over an hour. Questions covered subjects including the national rise in food banks, flood defence zoning issues and the rankings of Lydgate Junior and Infant schools.
About a dozen Tapton School students were present with their teacher. Their questions covered tuition fees, and poor election turnout and political disillusionment among 18-25 year-olds.
Other topics included the recent gagging bill, and political disillusionment
with middle-aged voters – it seems that politics isn’t flavour of the month.
Things then got rather animated when a discussion about the banking crisis of five years ago caused considerable disagreement amongst several of those attending.
Closing questions covered Eric Pickles’ Public Development Act, politicians’ blaming tactics – which is unlikely to ever go away – and the criticism that the European Union has recently come in for. The deputy prime minister took the opportunity to reinforce his party’s support for the EU.
Thanks to John Holliday for this report.
Video: Nick Clegg visits Crosspool street market

Sheffield Hallam MP and deputy prime minister Nick Clegg was in Crosspool today with his family on a visit the Selborne Road street market.
We spent a few minutes asking him about the street market, how often he is up in his constituency and his thoughts on some possible opponents at the 2015 general election.
Overall, the street market was a big success with stalls selling food, cakes, plants, crafts, jewellery, clothes and books. There was also music and dance from local schools and groups.

Local police station expected to close in November
Crosspool’s nearest police station is due to close before the end of the year.
Crewe Flats police station on Clarkhouse Road will shut its doors in November, with the Broomhill neighbourhood policing team to be dispersed to other stations throughout the city.
Residents fear that the closure will mean that there will be less visibility of police officers in the area, with our local bobbies less connected and further away from the communities they serve.
The closure is likely to to be the result of cuts to funding. The South Yorkshire Police Federation warned last month that cuts could see South Yorkshire Police officer numbers shrink by a quarter overall between 2007 and 2015.
If you have comments on the threat to the police provision in our community then you can contact the following people to make your views known:
Video: Nick Clegg answers questions at Crosspool Q&A
Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg answered Crosspool residents’ concerns at a constituency question-and-answer session on Friday.
Over the course of an hour in Hallam FC’s Sandygate clubhouse, the Sheffield Hallam MP responded to queries regarding the economy, jobs, the High Speed 2 rail link, the Leveson inquiry and the PFI project to renew and maintain Sheffield’s roads.
Questions were also asked about specific Crosspool issues. After describing their experience of travelling on the 51 bus route, one resident asked: What are the government’s plans to encourage provincial commuters to move back to using public transport? Watch the video below to hear Nick Clegg’s response:
He also responded to queries regarding the government’s policy on catchment area placements being within walking distance of local schools. Listen to his answer below (audio only):
The subject of the lack of bus shelter at the Vernon Terrace bus stop was also raised. Although local councillors are continuing to look into this, the deputy prime minister promised to also take it up.
Local residents had been invited to the Q&A via a leaflet through their letter box.
You can email our MP with your query using nickclegg@sheffieldhallam.org.uk.
Yorkshire Post: Clegg joins retail scheme objectors
The Yorkshire Post reports that Hallam MP and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has objected to the proposed convenience store in Crosspool:
Clegg joins retail scheme objectors
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has joined forces with more than 150 people from the Sheffield suburb of Crosspool who have objected to plans for a major retail development.

