Sheffield in 2026: Readers say council's top priorities should be 'fix potholes and keep snooker'
Fixing Sheffield’s pothole-ridden roads and securing the future of the World Snooker Championship should be the council’s top priorities this year, residents have said.
When we asked people across the city what Sheffield City Council should focus on this year, road conditions were raised more than any other issue.
Many said potholes are damaging vehicles, making streets unsafe and leaving people questioning what they are paying council tax for.
Michelle Peet said:“Potholes in the roads, we pay enough in council tax for this.”
Barbara Horton also linked the issue to the cost-of-living crisis, saying poor road maintenance is placing extra pressure on households already struggling financially.
She said: “Get potholes filled in so people aren't having to spend a fortune on their cars.”
Beyond the damage to vehicles, residents warned that potholes and poor street management are creating wider accessibility problems.
Mark Bufton highlighted pavement parking near Woodburn Road, where cars block footpaths and restrict access for disabled people, parents with prams and people with visual impairments.
Others said confusing one-way systems and poorly-planned road layouts are making parts of the city harder to navigate.
Alongside potholes, the future of snooker in Sheffield emerged as the other dominant concern.
Residents repeatedly called for urgent investment in the Crucible Theatre, warning that failure to act could see the World Snooker Championship leave the city.
Adam Newbould said: “Without doubt do whatever is needed to keep the World Championship Snooker finals in Sheffield.”
Justin Dean said: “Upgrade The Crucible. Urgently. Keep snooker in Sheffield for decades more.”
While these two issues dominated, residents also raised a number of other concerns.
Housing featured prominently, with some calling for more homes while urging the council to prioritise brownfield land over green belt development.
Others said support for special educational needs must improve, warning that families are being left struggling.
Calls were also made for better public transport information, particularly for older residents without internet access, and for stronger action on unpaid council tax.
Although the issues raised were wide-ranging, the message from residents was consistent.
They want the council to focus on delivering practical improvements and protect the institutions that define Sheffield, starting with fixing its roads and safeguarding snooker’s home.