Greenpeace Sheffield to host sustainable celebration in Kelham Island

The group hopes residents can celebrate and learn more about the low traffic neighbourhood that has been introduced into Kelham Island.

Low traffic neighbourhoods were introduced earlier this year by the Government to get more people walking or cycling. This reduces carbon emissions but also sets the tone of active travel for future generations.

Dawn Spier, co-coordinator for Greenpeace Sheffield said: “There’s a lot of negativity around what the Sheffield council don’t do. What we wanted to do was make it a positive. So that going forward hopefully they’ll be able to look to get some more funding and put some more areas in like that in and around Sheffield.”

On Saturday at 2pm residents of Kelham Island have the opportunity to speak to Labour party councillor for Hillsborough Bob Johnson along with Green Party councillors for City Ward Ruth Mersereau and Douglas Johnson on the bridge on Ball Street.

Ms Spier said: “It’s been a success in the fact that there’s obviously been a lot of interest with local residents, it’s increased walking and cycling in the local area, it’s re-rooted traffic that would have normally come through the residents’ area and redirected it around. It’s only a temporary measure but with the information that’s collated hopefully it will become a permanent structure.”

There are hopes that more low traffic neighbourhoods can be implemented around the whole of Sheffield.

Ms Spier said: “We feel that taking your kids out on their bikes and scooters in a safe environment will also help later on to give them the confidence to do that on longer journeys on their own as they get older and for that to be the norm.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.