The key issues Sheffield's councilors need to prioritise after big election day shake-up
The tectonic plates of Sheffield’s political landscape shifted greatly during last week’s local election
For councillors new and old, the local elections are over, but the day-to-day operations are just getting started.
This round of elections saw sweeping changes throughout Sheffield. Reform and the Green Party both made huge gains, while Labour suffered huge losses, including a huge upset involving city council leader Tom Hunt, who was ousted from his seat in Walkley.
All of this marks a new dawn in British politics and potentially a sign of things to come in the next general election unless public opinion shifts once again. With all that in mind, we asked locals in Sheffield what issues they’d like to see the newly elected councillors prioritise in Sheffield.
Julie Cross started the conversation by addressing her concerns about the state of roads in the Steel City. Something which has been at the forefront of political debates for some time along with complaints about the amount of potholes.
She commented: “Saving Sheffield’s green belts. And also dealing with pot holes. The roads are atrocious. I wouldn't like to be a bike rider, there are big health and safety issue on our roads because of the state of them.”
David J Robinson said: “They should prioritise fixing potholes.”
Peter Fereday agreed. He said: “Green belts and potholes.”
Lorraine Fletcher Kirton added: “Pot holes and repairing roads.”
Local councillors are also tasked with trying to ease concerns over issues such as parking. Many have complained about the prices when visiting hospitals while others have also highlighted the extreme difficulty of finding a space in the city centre. This in turn has had a knock on effect on some businesses.
Richard Birt simply commented: “Parking.” A view shared by both Denise Granger and Carole Stainsby.
Mark Wrangham said: “Safer active travel - more infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Hussain Shah said: “Repeated littering offences and antisocial behaviour.”
Nikki Turner commented: “Fly tipping.”
Her comments come amid reports that The Government has said it will directly fund the clean-up of some of the worst illegal waste sites in England , including a location in Sheffield where 20,000 tonnes of waste were dumped.
Many local residents also called on councillors to put more of an emphasis on youth clubs.
Beverley Ferguson said: “Have more youth clubs.” John Burke added: “Youth facilities.”
Phil Moulding said: “Saving Sheffield's greenbelt.” This view was shared by Julie Reaney, who added: “Stopping the building on Greenbelt.”
Mark Davenport said: “Protect our green belt.”
Gill Ward said: “More affordable housing, better, cheaper public transport, road repairs, cheaper fuel bills.”