"With the far right on the rise across Europe, it's really important we don't forget those who fought for our country and fought against division”

A Sheffield councillor wants there to be "more poppies than ever before" in his ward for this years Remembrance Day.

The red poppy is a symbol to remember those who lost their lives in conflicts across the world, originating from World War One which ended 108 years ago.

It is usually worn around Remembrance Sunday, which occurs on the second Sunday each year and Armistice Day which takes place on November 11.

According to the Royal British Legion, who arrange the sales of paper poppies each year to fundraise for the Armed Forces, the flower represents the sacrifices of those who have served their nation, shows support for today’s Armed Forces community and represents hope for a peaceful future.

Councillor Ben Miskell said councillors usually put up poppies on lampposts across the Park and Arbourthorne ward, but this year he hopes to put up "more than ever," with the help of the community.

He is asking for support to put up poppies across Heeley Common, Norfolk Park, Gleadless Common and Townend, and suggestions of prominent locations and busy roads where the poppies can go.

81-years on from the end of the Second World War, Coun Miskell said: "There's never been a more important time to remember the sacrifices that people made for our democracy.

"With the far right on the rise across Europe, it's really important we don't forget those brave men and women who fought for our country and fought against division.

"All those people who came from across the world and across the country including women in factories across Sheffield, played their part in us making sure we've got the freedoms that we've got today."

Coun Miskell is now "launching a big community conversation," with a survey to find out where people would like poppies to be placed across the Park and Arbourthorne ward, so they can be seen by "as many people as possible."

He is hoping to put them up over the next few weeks, ahead of Remembrance Sunday on November 8.

He said: "We see these as symbols of unity but also symbols of hope for a better world.

"When I think about it, I think of those people from different backgrounds and communities who all stood together in times of conflict.

"Those people who sacrificed and served, who really inspire us to build a better future that's peaceful, involves equality and is against division and hatred."

For the last few years, funding for the poppy decorations has come through the East Local Area Committee, with £83.33 allocated in 2024 and £95 in 2025.