Sheffield MP launches safer communities campaign

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, said her Safer Communities campaign will ask residents of Gleadless, Beauchief and Greenhill, Low Edges, Norfolk Park, Jordanthorpe, Arbourthorne, Richmond, Intake, Heeley and Meersbrook for their views of safety in the community, what they think the priorities should be and how they should be tackled.

She said: “Over the past few months many of my constituents have been contacting me about anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods and communities, including the use of illegal off-road bikes, groups causing intimidation and noise pollution.

“It’s a real frustration to see these problems getting worse again. After several years of hard work, we had started to get on top of it, but clearly insufficient youth provision and our policing resources still being stretched, this is having an effect.

“I firmly believe that everyone has a right to feel safe in their own community, but under this Conservative government, things are getting worse. I have and will continue to prioritise keeping my communities safe. That’s why, over the coming months I will be out in the community speaking to residents and businesses about the issues they face and what action they think should be taken to address not just the issue, but the root causes too.

“I’m also encouraging them to have their say by completing my survey and I’ll use the feedback I receive to take collective action with South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield City Council’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

“I’m determined to make Sheffield Heeley a safe place to live, work and play.”

Since 2015, funding for services for young people, including youth clubs and activities, has been cut by 38 per cent across Sheffield.

Ms Haigh said: “This is having an effect in our communities, meaning that young people have nothing to do and no activities to take part in. I’m also working to address the underlying issues of anti-social behaviour.”

South Yorkshire Police neighbourhood teams say their priorities for these areas are: anti-social behaviour, drug use and dealing, off road bikes and nuisance vehicles, burglary and speeding.

Ms Haigh’s survey can be found here: https://www.louisehaigh.org.uk/news/2021/07/29/community-safety-in-sheffield-heeley/