'Burngreave doesn't need soldiers on its streets' - Sheffield councillor hits out at Page Hall proposal
“It is one of the most diverse communities in Sheffield, and that diversity is our greatest strength”
A councillor in Page Hall has celebrated his ward as he hits back against plans put forward by a former Reform representative suggested deploying ex-military to deal with anti-social behaviour.
The proposal was put forward by Shiregreen and Brightside councillor Mick Lee, who suggested using two ex-military officers trained in de-escalation tactics deployed in Northern Ireland and Iraq to help manage problems of anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and criminality in the Page Hall area of the Burngreave ward.
He claims the issues are spreading into his ward.
His 12-month ‘cross-ward stabilisation pilot’ would also see a ‘Roma matriach/elder’ employed to act in a cultural liaison capacity because of the high number of Roma residents who live in Page Hall.
![Ward councillor for Burngreave, Mustafa Ahmed [Green Party], who took his post in the May Local Elections, has his back at using ex-military to tackle anti-social behaviour in Page Hall](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2026/05/20/13/21/20260520_124355.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
However, Burngreave councillor Mustafa Ahmed - who’s ward covers Page Hall - has hit back at these suggestions, celebrating the area while calling for greater investment in public infrastructure.
Coun Ahmed - who was elected for the Green party in May - told The Star: “As someone who is proud to serve this community, I know Burngreave for what it really is: a welcoming, hardworking and resilient place where people from every background live, work and support one another.
“It is one of the most diverse communities in Sheffield, and that diversity is our greatest strength, not a problem to be solved.
“Burngreave does not need soldiers on its streets. It needs the same level of investment, services and attention that every other part of our city rightly expects.
“Like any community, we face challenges. We need stronger action against fly-tipping. We need more visible policing to tackle anti-social behaviour. We need better roads, cleaner streets, well-maintained parks and reliable council services.
“These are the issues residents talk about every day. These are the things that improve people's lives not dramatic headlines or divisive rhetoric.”
Coun Ahmed has previously spoken to The Star about his concerns with community safety, following an alleged stabbing in Page Hall in May.
At the time, the newly-elected councillor said that he would be “working closely with local police, community organisations, and the council to push for real action” as he prioritised improving his ward.
Speaking in the wake of Coun Lee’s proposal, he said that Burngreave doesn’t need the army, but “the same respect as every other community.”
“Every community deserves respect. Every resident deserves to feel heard. Burngreave is no different,” Coun Ahmed added.
“So let's stop talking about bringing in the army and start talking about bringing in better services, cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, stronger investment and greater opportunities.
“That is what Burngreave deserves. And that is what I will continue to stand up for.”