See you in the beer garden … when safety and sun arrive: Editor's comment

The Waggon and Horses in Millhouses Park will soon have a beer garden. The plan caused a bitter row which will now hopefully change into a united team of people working together for the good of the park.

The plight of our parks is close to the hearts of every Sheffielder and we must do everything we can to protect them. They make our city a better place to live, they have been a lifeline during lockdown and just standing in them gives you a happier outlook on the day. We must also never forget that most of them were gifted to the people of Sheffield and must remain ours.

So how does that fit with making local businesses thrive, in this case a pub? There has been a general consensus for quite some time that parks benefit from having the right kind of places to eat and drink. It can change a brief walk into a day out with friends and, wow, how much we are missing those right now.

I understand the fears that if you give away a little of our parks, suddenly we will lose far more than anticipated. But that isn’t what we are talking about here. As long as our council has nailed down the restrictions of use, the land remains in the city’s ownership and can be returned to nothing more than grass if desired in the future then why wouldn’t we want to support it?

After all, Millhouses Park has seen several far larger and intrusive things come and go in my lifetime. Each was adored by many but not all. Ah, the fun we used to have in the lidos and what a racket from joyously screaming children for anyone trying to relax nearby. Parks are meant for fun!

A better pub, a better park and a better attraction for people in one of the most popular greens spaces in Sheffield is a bonus for everyone. I’ll see you there for a pint of shandy as soon as we’re allowed.

Whatever your are drinking tonight, make sure you do it at home and keep safe so we can slow down this wretched virus.

And raise a toast to Yorkshire’s truly inspiring Captain Tom. Sir, you lifted a nation when we needed it most and your inspiration will be sorely missed by all those who live with hope.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.