They organised a huge street party to get to know each other, boost community spirit and put a smile on people's faces

Click on the green play button to see the slideshow

Around 100 households on South View Crescent in Sharrow enjoyed the party yesterday with hundreds of neighbours joining together to celebrate.

Half the street was closed as families enjoyed a barbecue, attractions and entertainment. It was the end of several months of planning and preparation.

Janelle Harper, one of the organisers, said: "This is the first time we have done something on our street as we thought it was a great way to get neighbours to meet each other.

"For the last nine or 10 weeks we have held weekly meetings and a lot of neighbours have been coming along to them and helping to organise it."

While old-fashioned street parties included bunting and jam sandwiches, this was definitely a 21st century party with the latest blockbuster films shown on a large screen.

But there was still plenty of family fun with face painting, egg and spoon races, mask making, jugglers, a photo competition and wheelie bin decorating.

The Broomhill, Central and Nether Edge area panel has a small pot of money which residents can apply for to spend on street parties.

Council leader Paul Scriven, who is also councillor for Broomhill, says three or four communities have already used the money for parties.
"This area panel is quite unique as we have a small budget which people can spend on anything which brings the community together.

"It can be anything which improves the community and brings people together, some people have spent it on plants and pots for the streets while some have chosen to have street parties."


READ MORE
Main news index
Your letters.
Features
More Rotherham news
More Doncaster news
More Barnsley news
Check out the very latest on South Yorkshire's roads - including live traffic cameras on Sheffield's commuter routes - with our Traffic section
Latest sport.