Sheffield Council has announced the investment in Westfield over three years.

The cash comes after The Star last year revealed how:

• Shortbrook Primary School had stopped replacing broken windows because they had been smashed so many times.




• Shops had turned themselves into fortresses and were closing early.




• The doctor's surgery had to operate from a portable building after its premises were destroyed by arsonists.




• Westfield Centre had become notorious as a haunt for gangs of youths who intimidated passers-by, daubed buildings with graffiti and lit fires.

Vandalism caused by gangs of youths on the estate has been a problem for decades.

Shortbrook School is continuing to suffer and incidents include yobs climbing on to the roof during the Easter holidays.

Coun Mike Peat, chairman of Sheffield Council's South East Area Panel, said: "I am delighted that we have allocated funds to address some of the issues on the estate. The people of Westfield have not been forgotten. We are committed to addressing local needs and these measures are a big step in the right direction."

Pat Molloy, a former member of Westfield and Halfway tenants' and residents' association, said: "Residents will be very pleased with the money being spent - but we could do with more to completely rebuild the centre. It looks like something from 1950s Eastern Europe.

"We could also do with covered alleyways around the area being opened up so the feel safer."

Mr Molloy said some money should be spent on CCTV cameras on high-level poles.

"The TARA spent £1,000 on a camera mounted on a building but it only lasted 20 minutes because youths climbed on to the roof and dropped concrete blocks on it. High-level cameras would be a good idea so they can't be vandalised."

A decision has not yet been made on what specific projects will be funded but Sheffield Council is looking at two priorities - improving the physical state of the estate and addressing "community safety issues".

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