Sheffield Council reveals new strategy to tackle issues in troubled Page Hall

The manager starts the new post on January 18 and a new ‘Page Hall community board’ is also due to be set up, with representation from those with an interest in improving life in the area.

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Landlords, local businesses, police and council representatives as well as local residents are expected to join.

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Page Hall has been blighted by a number of issues for a number of years, with problems escalating over recent months.

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Fly-tipping, litter, anti-social behaviour, drugs, grooming, prostitution and groups congregating on the streets at all times of the day and night are among those regularly raised.

There have also been a number of mass brawls, including an incident on Willoughby Street on New Year’s Day, which was described as a ‘riot’ involving scores of residents with weapons.

The appointment of an area manager and plans for a community board were revealed by ward councillor Mark Jones, who represents Page Hall along with Talib Hussain and Jackie Drayton.

He said: “We are all deeply concerned about the issues we face in Page Hall and we are continuing to work with others to tackle problems in Page Hall and across Burngreave.

“The anti-social, criminal behaviour that occurred over the New Year period is not acceptable. This is not how people should conduct themselves and we are very grateful for the actions taken by the police to deal with the issue.

“We have spoken with the police and will continue to offer the police as much support as possible. We have asked the police if there is more we can do to help them. The growing partnership between the council and the police is something we fully support and we really appreciate the hard work put in by police in tackling anti-social behaviour and also serious organised drug crime.”

He added: “The council has appointed a new manager for Page Hall and we will be co-chairing a new Page Hall community board, which will have representation from all concerned parties. We will include representatives for landlords and we will reach out to local businesses for input. It is critical that all those with a concern in Page Hall’s future step up and help address the difficulties we face in areas like Page Hall, be it the police, council, local residents or property owners – no matter how distant they are or how many properties they own.

“Only by building those links between people can we start to overcome the anxiety and suspicions people hold for others they do not know.”

He said the council will continue to take enforcement action against fly-tippers and council wardens will continue to patrol the area.

“Our wardens continue to patrol the area and we will engage with all those who seek our help, as well as take action against those how disrespect their neighbours and environment. The Council is there to help, but we are not a soft touch. Everyone has a role to play in improving the condition of Page Hall,” he added.

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