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Asylum seekers given bad name
SHEFFIELD has a worthy reputation as a City of Sanctuary, opening its arms to people from around the world who are fleeting tyranny and violence.
However this record does not fit easily with some in Sheffield who believe the city is considered to be a soft touch for migrants and asylum seekers alike.
And the Sanctuary case is not helped when people like Waleed Albashir are exposed to public scrutiny after appearing in court for indecent assault upon an 18 year old girl in a bar.
It is suggested that Albashir may face deportation when he has served the prison sentence which was given him for his actions. However, what guarantee is there that this man will not weasel his way back into the country, as he has done on a previous occasion after he was deported?
If this city is to genuinely help people start a new life, it must vigorously separate the worthy from the unworthy cases. We cannot simply accept everyone on face value or we may end up with more unsavoury characters such as Albashir putting down unwelcome roots in our communities.
Has he too much time on his hands?
THE Government's suggestion that city and town centres need to be 'de-cluttered' of street furniture is a step in the wrong direction.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles is on a crusade to clean up our towns and cities, claiming that much street furniture is unnecessary and canmake streets 'look ugly'.
It is ironic that we carry a story on the subject, giving the public chance to have their say, on the same day we report on the satisfaction that the Foundry Climbing Centre, in Mowbray Street, is back on the map after the council responded to calls for better signs pointing out its location to visitors.
Certainly, any unnecessary street furniture needs to be removed. But who can satisfactorily declare some things redundant? For every individual believing an item is not needed, there will be a dozen who value and welcome its presence. This surely is a case of too much interference and suggests the minister must have too much time on his hands
Forgetting rivalry
FOOTBALL rivalries have been set aside in Sheffield as players linked to both Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United have joined forces to help launch Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity's event, Walk as One. This five kilometre sponsored walk around the Don Valley stadium raises much needed cash for the hospital and it is significant that competition is forgotten. All that matters is taking part and the presence of Blades and Owls stars at the launch shows they appreciate the need to further this worthy cause.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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