PICTURES: Sheffield man unveils 'moving walkway in the sky' dream to ease strain on commuters

Local resident Richard Hargate has dreamed up the visionary plan which he says would keep Sheffield on the move - and has supplied pictures of how he believes his red and white "Fastway" would zoom through the city.

He said: "The idea is to connect the main transport systems to the city centre by means of an elevated moving walkway.

"The moving walkway would be situated beside the tram stop behind the railway station. It would then pass over the railway lines to the bus station then between the

Sheffield Hallam University and Adsetts Library building, under Arundel Gate and then coming out next to the main Sheffield Library on Surrey Street."

It is thought the plan would be similar to the moving walkways used in airports to transport passengers around and help take the strain off commuters' weary legs on Sheffield's famous hills.

In an email, Mr Hargate says his Fastway system would connect the Supertram, railway station and bus station.

He added: "The main Sheffield shopping centre is situated about 80 feet higher than the railway and bus stations."

He said that costs for the project could be shared between Sheffield City Council and the rail and bus transport networks with the cost of upkeep paid for "by selling advertising space inside and outside the structure."

Mr Hargate concluded: "This is my 2020 vision of Sheffield city - keeping on the move and I believe this would attract more visitors to our city."

It is not thought Sheffield City Council is aware of the proposals and no such plans have been put forward by civic chiefs.

* What do you think of Mr Hargate's plans? Would you like to see them come to fruition?