Police set to move into empty property in troubled area of Sheffield

They are to set up a community base in Page Hall, which is blighted by a number of issues.

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Over recent months one of the issues repeatedly raised with South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield Council and MPs is Covid-19 breaches.

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Mobile phone footage and photographs have been shared online showing large crowds gathering on the streets, with people ignoring social distancing rules.

The Page Hall area of the city is made up of handful of streets close to the Northern General Hospital.

Residents regularly complain about anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, litter, rats, drugs and groups of people congregating in the streets at all time of the day and night.

Concerns have been raised about prostitution and grooming.

Community tensions have risen to the surface in recent months with reports of groups not adhering to lockdown laws and a number of anti-social behaviour incidents, including fights, which led to calls for the Army to be deployed.

Resident Jonathan Marsden suggested the setting up a police house in the area for Page Hall officers.

Officers in neighbouring Parson Cross have moved into an empty property on Emerson Crescent to tackle problems on that estate.

South Yorkshire Police has now confirmed that officers will be following suit.

The force said: “With the help of Sheffield Council Housing Service and the Community Service Team a property has been identified within Page Hall.

“We will hopefully moving in quite soon and we'll reveal the location.”

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