The three things Sheffield’s new councillors should look to tackle following local election shake-up
The fallout from the election will rumble on for some time yet as councillors new and old settle into the set up.
The leader of Sheffield City Council was among a host of Labour casualties in an eye-catching local election which saw both Reform and the Green Party make major gains.
In total, Labour lost 13 seats while the Liberal Democrats lost five, with the Greens taking six and Reform getting 12.
All of this marks a new dawn in politics which was reflected not only in Sheffield but all across the country.
It could potentially also be a sign of things to come in the next general election unless public opinion shifts once again.
As the fallout from the election continues, many councillors are settling to roles new and old, and working to ensure that their promises for the city are kept.
With that in mind, we asked the people of Sheffield to name the three main things that they’d like to see the councillors prioritise.
Katherine Mitchell kicked off the conversation by discussing potholes - something which has been hot on the agenda for a while in local politics.
She explained: “Potholes, pavement cycling and the preservation of the green belt would be my three things.”
Sharon Oxley said: “Free/subsidised bus travel for over 60s.”
Loretta Hackleton added: “Pot holes , drains, and fly tipping.”
Her concerns come amid reports that fly-tipping across Britain is at a 17-year high - with more than a tenth of the rubbish dumped in Sheffield categorised as hazardous.
Others, such as Jacqueline Simmonite, called for historical landmarks to be maintained.
Her comments come following news that part of the roof of Sheffield’s Old Town Hall has collapsed as campaigners such as Friends of Old Town Hall continue to express concerns about the long-term future of the building.
Jacqueline said: “Address the state of the old Town Hall and Court House. This is an important historic building and the ongoing neglect of it is criminal.”
Protecting green belt sites was also something that many felt should be high on the agenda.
Rob Philpott said: “Pot holes. Don't build on green land. Public transport.”
Emma Collins added: “Saving the green belt not building on it.”
Chris Burkinshaw agreed, adding: “Leave the green belt alone.”
John Barbie Freeman believes councillors should focus on the growing problem of off-road-motor bikes. Something which many of our readers have also said is a problem.