Joy as people reclaim amazing Sheffield vista at South Street after traffic ban to combat crime
A crime hotspot with an amazing view has a bright new future
A councillor has celebrated people reclaiming one of the city’s most popular viewpoints after a traffic ban to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Councillor Elle Dodd has posted a photo online this week of people enjoying the vista across Sheffield from South Street at Park Hill.
She told The Star that normally far fewer people would be out because of cars parked along the now closed section, which is above the amphitheatre and the Steel Steps, and has the best views.
The site was barriered off this week in a bid to combat years of drug-taking, littering and nuisance linked to cars parking up, particularly at night.
She wrote: “Fantastic to see people enjoying the sunset from the top of Steel Steps following the road closure earlier this week.
“So many people have been in touch to say what a positive difference it's made to their journey and how much safer they feel particularly late into the evening.”
Sheffield City Council is set to run a consultation for six months before deciding whether to make the closure permanent.
Campaigners hope to turn the site into ‘Skyeline Pocket Park’.
An event to celebrate the traffic ban - ‘phase one’ of the pocket park project - is being held from 1-3pm on Sunday, May 3.
Organiser Michael Chilton said: “The road closure is in place, the barriers have been installed, and phase one of Skyeline Pocket Park is up-and-running.
“Come and celebrate the creation of this brand-new public space in our community at an informal, family-friendly get-together above the amphitheatre.
“There'll be ice cream for sale provided by our neighbours at Fennells, and maybe even a zebra or two to mark the project's aims for safer streets.
“Please do bring anything you like – games, chairs, a picnic, a barbecue?! – for a fun afternoon in the sunshine.”