Cricket bats and dry stone walls: How is ward money spent in south west Sheffield?
Ward councillors encourage community groups to reach out if they have an idea for a project that would benefit from remaining funding
Cricket equipment, bench installation and dry stone walling are among projects in South West Sheffield funded by the council this year, as a councillor calls for more groups to apply for funding.
Seven Local Area Committees (LACs) were established by Sheffield City Council in May 2021, each bringing together four wards and their elected councillors.
The council gives each LAC a budget of £100,000 for each financial year to fund community projects in the area.
On 1 October at a committee meeting at Bents Green Methodist Church on Ringinglow Road, funds for the south west were divvied up.
Hallam Cricket Club received £1,912 for equipment & resources to support the growth of girls' cricket, across Crookes and Crosspool and Fulwood wards.
Councillor Minesh Parekh, of Crookes and Crosspool ward said: "Hallam Cricket Club put in a funding application for specialist new equipment to enhance the playing experience for their girl's cricket team.
"With the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup taking place in England this year, they recognised the opportunity to use the tournament to encourage more girls to take up the sport.
"I was delighted to back the funding request which will benefit young cricketers in Crookes, Crosspool, and Fulwood.
Friends of Ecclesall Woods received £500 for dry stone walling at the discovery centre on Abbey Lane, and £300 was given to install a bench near The Ball pub in Crookes.
The South West LAC has a remaining unallocated budget of £40,000 for the year 2026/27.
£38,000 of this is proposed to be split equally between the four wards to support community projects and activities, with £2,000 left for admin costs.
Coun Parekh said: "There is still more ward funding available. Last year we supported the local Tenants and Residents Association with its Easter party, supported the Crosspool Forum to install a water tap in a community garden, Friends of Westways Primary with a new bench, and a range of other local activities and projects."
He encouraged community groups to reach out to the South West LAC team if they have an idea for a project that would benefit from funding.
As well as the ward pots, LAC money is available for grants for 'friends of' groups, environmental groups and isolation, loneliness and cost of living activities such as a 'Men's Talk Group'.