"Re-think this plan": Hundreds fight Hillsborough tram and bus gate plans fearing small firms will shut
“We call upon Sheffield City Council to re-think this plan”
Hundreds of people have signed a petition against transport changes in a popular Sheffield district fearing small shopkeepers could go bust.
Almost 500 have backed a call for Sheffield City Council to re-think swingeing proposals for Hillsborough, including a new 12-hour tram gate, a new 12-hour bus lane and the removal of parking spaces.
Individual businesses have also raised the alarm. Eves Fruit Stores of Middlewood Road said the changes would be a ‘massive blow’.
Sheffield City Council says they are intended to ‘improve public transport and make it easier for people to get around’ and has launched a consultation.
The petition was created by Rebecca Oxley of Better4Pets on Langsett Road, with the backing of owner Sam Payne.
The shop is yards from the proposed 7am-7pm tram gate which would ban traffic from heading into Hillsborough.
Rebecca wrote: “Local businesses will be highly impacted, and already struggle as it is.
“Shutting down road access would cut off our supply chain and make it nearly impossible for our customers to transport bulky and heavy items like animal feed.
“We call upon Sheffield City Council to re-think this plan and work collaboratively with us to create a transport strategy that supports both the environment and the economic well-being of our community.”
On Middlewood Road, a proposed 12-hour bus lane would be created by removing parking spaces.
Other plans include extending the bus and tram gate on Langsett Road at Hillsborough Corner to 7am to 7pm.
Parking spaces would be removed to widen Holme Lane to reduce bus delays. And Oakland Road, Wood Road and Ball Road would become one-way to reduce delays and improve safety also on Holme Lane.
On a Hillsborough Facebook forum, Nick Morris said the changes would give local businesses “a much needed boost.”
He added: “It's basically pedestrians, disabled and cyclists being able to move around more rather than cars having total dominance and priority.
“It's positive, but there's a long way to go until more streets are pedestrianised and claimed back.”
The city council says the proposals aim to improve bus journeys.
A spokesperson said: “Hillsborough is one of Sheffield's busiest transport hubs and an important local centre. It connects communities across the Upper Don Valley with the city centre and beyond.
“Every day, thousands of people travel through the area to get to work, education, healthcare, shops and leisure destinations.
“Many local residents rely on bus services for everyday journeys. But congestion, difficult junction layouts and parking issues can cause delays. This can make journeys unreliable and create uncertainty for passengers. Around 30 bus journeys through Hillsborough are delayed each day.
“In addition to bus reliability issues, some areas can be difficult to navigate on foot or by wheelchair. There are limited crossing opportunities on busy roads, and facilities are not always as accessible as they could be.”
A public consultation on the plans runs until November 4.