Nearly two years ago, Liberal Democrats chose to do the right thing in the national interest at a time of crisis. We put tribalism aside and put the good of the country first.

We didn’t come into politics to make cuts, but with the economy on the verge of collapse we knew we had to take the difficult decisions necessary to get the deficit under control and the country back on track.

And how did the Labour Party react?

They attacked us viciously. They refused to apologise or take responsibility for the mess they created. They opposed every cut and they indulged in cynical scaremongering.

In Sheffield, David Blunkett warned of ‘post-Soviet’ meltdown with people fending for themselves. It was the politics of fear and it was a disgrace.

But now, after nearly two years of opposing every cut, Ed Miliband and Ed Balls say they won’t reverse a single one. Yet they still say they oppose them.

Confused?

They have gone from being in the wrong place to being all over the place. From denial to disarray.

Many of our excellent councillors lost their seats last May because of the vicious attacks of their Labour opponents. We must not let them get away with it again.

Liberal Democrats approach this May’s elections with a track record of proud, progressive achievements in Government:

• Lifting a million of the poorest workers out of tax and cutting taxes, not for the rich but for 23m basic rate taxpayers;

             Making the well off pay their share by raising Capital Gains Tax, a new £10bn bank levy and keeping the 50p top  

              rate of tax

             The most generous rise in the state pension for a generation;

• A revolution in the way we support the children who need help the most when it matters the most, in the crucial early years and throughout their school lives;
• More apprenticeships than Britain has ever had before;
• And from this April, the Youth Contract, an ambitious £1bn programme to make sure every 18 to 24-year-old has the opportunity to earn or learn.

Clearing up Labour’s mess is not easy, but right  and to fight them as May approaches.

Nick Glegg.

Labour are making plans to cut the hours of the Deepcar dump it (Recycling) site, in a dramatic move just shortly after announcing no more green waste/sack collections and the  move towards fortnightly bin collections.

Although the closure hours cannot be confirmed at this stage, it is believed that the site will be closed three days a week.

Councillor Jack Clarkson said:- “Labour are playing their cards close to their chest at the moment, and details are very sketchy, however it is believed that the site will be closed three days a week (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday) opening mainly at the weekends (Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun) as soon as news of the new opening hours are released I will post them on this site.

Its just incredible, Labour are expecting residents to except the new fortnightly bin collections and expecting people to recycle more, well if thats the case why are they cutting the hours of the recycling site, people will need to use the site on a daily basis.

The Labour Council have also decided to stop green waste/Sack collections which will also mean many residents having to visit the Deepcar dump it site in order to dispose of their green waste.

Cllr Clarkson went on to say ” Rumours are that Labour were to close the site, however it was soon realised that the move would certainly be unpalatable with local people, so it looks like we will be having to endure  cuts in the centres opening hours.

(MORE TO FOLLOW ON THIS BREAKING NEWS)

Cllr Jack Clarkson

LABOUR SLASH BIN

COLLECTIONS

AND END KEY RECYCLING

SERVICE

Labour controlled Sheffield City Council have announced (11/1/12) they will slash local bin black collections to fortnightly and end a key recycling service, turning down millions of pounds from the Coalition Government to keep a weekly service.

In a shock decision at today’s Cabinet meeting Labour councillors confirmed that the green garden waste for recycling would also cease.

The move to slash services, which could bring about dozens of local job losses, comes despite the Coalition Government setting up a £250m national fund which is available to council’s to help fund a weekly black bin collection service.

Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council, said:

“Regardless of your opinion on black bin collections, Labour’s decision to reduce bin collections to fortnightly and cease a key recycling service at the same time is a recipe for utter disaster. Labour councillors have thrown common sense in the bin as well as Sheffield’s waste services.

“The truth is that the Council wouldn’t actually save any money by going to a fortnightly bin service next year, as millions of pounds are on offer from the Government to maintain the weekly collection.

“Precise details are due to be announced this month, but by making use of this fund we would be able to keep the service as it is next year and still cover the budget gap. I’m shocked that Labour have turned down extra investment at a time when we need it most.

“What is also clear is that this prolonged consultation period was a total sham from start to finish. Labour had simply been stringing local people along and the decision had been made weeks ago behind closed doors. Labour’s promise of being open and honest has been left in tatters.”    

Local Stocksbridge and Upper Don Cllr Jack Clarkson said ” It was a given right to have your bin collected once a week, now in desperation Labour are cutting this service (Just what are residents in our area getting for paying their Council taxes)

I appreciated some residents may only need a fortnightly collection, however many famillies will have to resort to black bin bags as an extra back up, and everyone knows the problems associated with these (Vermin / rats/ maggots/ smells etc)

The plug on the green sack collection service has also been pulled, and this service will now come to an end.

So much for the smiling face of the local Labour Councillor shouting the councils praises in relation to green sack collections in june of last year, which his party now has now abandoned, leaving him scratching his head yet again bewildered by his party’s decision.

Doing away with the green sack collection service will see an increase in fly tipping and certainly more garden fires in our area,(Neighbour Disputes) many elderly people will have no way of disposing of their green waste, when they have taken the effort to keep their gardens neat and tidy. 

So folks it looks like more trips to the local dump it site (Thats is if you have a vehicle)  

Labour should be ashamed of themselves.

Please have sight of Labours proposed list of sites, many of which are green field, that Labour have announced they are planning to allocate for housing.

There will be a six week consultation period and I’m sure you will agree with me this is just not long enough for proper consultation to take place. 

Local residents living near to the proposed sites will be shocked to learn that their green spaces are under serious threat thanks to Labour. Local councillors for years in our area have been fighting to protect these bits of land from inappropriate development, now Labour want to shoehorn houses / estates inamongst estates that the infastructure just cannot cope.

Possible allocation: Housing                                                               Current designation in UDP: Housing Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 55

This site is located close to the centre of Worrall village and forms part of Wiggan Farm. The farm itself is still working, but the site is currently being used as storage for materials and equipment. The site is boxed in by housing, and farm buildings serving Wiggan Farm are at the Townend Road end of the site and a public footpath runs along the western boundary of the site. Housing development, therefore, is unlikely to significantly affect openness or character and there are a number of local facilities within walking distance. However, the area has limited public transport access, the site requires improved sewerage infrastructure, and primary school capacities in Oughtibridge and Bradfield are likely to be exceeded as a result of housing development here.

Former Sports Ground, Greaves Lane, Stannington (P00503)

Possible allocation: Mixed use (Housing and Open Space)

Current designation in UDP: Open Space Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 20

P00503 is an overgrown and unused sports field within the urban area of Stannington. It is surrounded by fairly low density housing and bordered by trees and back gardens of neighbouring properties. Although our assessments show a surplus of informal open space in the local area, partial housing development and open space improvements on the remainder of the site would remedy a deficiency in other types open space. 

Platts Lane/ Oughtibridge Lane, Oughtibridge (P00505)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current allocation in UDP: Fringe Industry and Business Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 40

The site is currently a greenfield site which sits in front of the former Silica Brickworks on Platts Lane (already proposed as a housing allocation). The site is grassland with a significant tree belt to the rear and sides of the site. Provided that there is on-site provision of open space and suitable highway and pedestrian safety improvements, the site is considered to be suitable for development. It will link with the existing housing allocations adjoining site and together with measures mentioned above, this may outweigh the inaccessibility of this site to public transport.

Hawthorne Avenue/ Coppice Close, Stocksbridge (P00507)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current allocation in UDP: Housing

Estimated dwelling capacity: 50

It is on the edge of the Stocksbridge urban area bordered by existing housing to the west and north, and fields and New Hall Wood to the south and west respectively. It is currently allocated for housing in the UDP but the existence of a ransom strip has prevented its delivery. Although public transport provision is poor (550m to a bus stop), it is within reasonable walking distance of at least 5 local facilities. Therefore, as long as an environmental buffer to New Hall Wood can be provided and the ‘ransom strip’ obtained by private developers, it is suitable for housing.

Worrall Hall Farm, Kirk Edge Road/ Top Road, Worrall (P00507)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current allocation in UDP: Housing

Estimated dwellings capacity: 25

This site is located close to the centre of Worrall village, adjacent to Sycamore Park and opposite existing housing. It is not defined as open space in our audit, but subject to the retention of greenery and features of historic interest on the site (including an archaeological survey at the pre-application stage), it is a suitable site for development. An application for housing development should be accompanied by an assessment of the impact it might have on the landscape, and the cumulative impact on education capacity should also be considered. There are a number of local facilities in the village within walking distance of the site, but public transport to access larger facilities and services is poor. However, on balance it may be a suitable site for infill residential development.

Infield Lane, Darnall (P00500)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: part Housing Area, part Industrial Area and part Open Space)

Estimated dwelling capacity: 80

This is a partly vacant and derelict site on the edge of the existing housing area in Darnall, close to High Hazels Park and the allotment site at Infield Lane. It is accessed from Catcliffe Road, and it is close to Darnall District Centre and within 250m of a high frequency bus route on Main Road. Development here will make efficient use of a previously developed site, and provide the opportunity to improve the built environment and approach to High Hazels Park. Demand for primary school places is currently high, and additional demand for primary school places may not be accommodated without expansion of provision.

Former Sports Ground, Bawtry Road, Tinsley

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: Open Space Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 95

Site is a private sports ground with no public access, and has been disused for some time. It is in an area of playing pitch deficiency but we have doubts as to whether reinstatement as a playing pitch is likely. The site is not very accessible to the wider Tinsley community who are more likely to use Tinsley Recreation Ground. The site has access to local shops and other facilities at both Brinsworth and Tinsley Neighbourhood Centres, but will need some public transport improvements to make it convenient for public transport.

The site has been proposed for housing by an objector to the draft City Policies and Sites document (2010).

Foley Street/ Levenson Street, Attercliffe

Possible allocation: Industrial

Current designation in UDP: Industrial Area

This is an underused site within a well established industrial area. It is accessed from Foley Street.. Previous permission for mixed business and industry has now lapsed. Part of the site has temporary planning consent for storage of plant and car parking associated with nearby businesses. .

Darnall Works, Darnall Road, Darnall (P00131)

Possible allocation: Flexible

Current designation in UDP: Mixed Use Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 100

This 6.6ha site contains some of the most important industrial archaeological remains in the country and has a Scheduled Monument, Grade II* and Grade II Listed Buildings and other buildings of historic interest. A flexible approach to land uses could help secure new uses for important historic buildings and assist regeneration of a site formerly in industrial use. This approach would be in line with the objectives of the Darnall Attercliffe and Tinsley Neighbourhood Development Framework. We have assumed about 2.5ha would be developed for housing.

Herries Road, Owlerton (P00498)

Possible allocation: Industrial

Current designation in UDP: Fringe Industry and Fringe Area

Effectively, there would be no change in the proposed land uses by allocating this site. It is a cleared and vacant site with good access to the Penistone Road A61 corridor, and has recently extended its approval for trade counter units which has not yet been implemented.

Gilders Car Showroom, Middlewood Road, Middlewood (P00516)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: Fringe Industry and Business Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 80

This site is located between Middlewood Road and the River Don, adjacent and opposite existing housing. It is currently used as a car showroom but has had previous consent (expired December 2011) for 80 dwellings. It remains a very suitable site for housing as it is within easy walking distance of many local facilities and is on a high frequency bus route and tram route.

Dairy Distribution Centre, Hemsworth Road, Norton Woodseats (P00499)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: Housing Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 15

Any allocation of this site would depend on an archaeological survey and a building appraisal not identifying anything of significant value.

It is adjacent to existing housing and has capacity for approximately 15 dwellings including conversion of a farmhouse and outbuildings which have archaeological and heritage value. It is within reasonable walking distance of sufficient local services at Derbyshire Lane Neighbourhood Centre, and of the Core Public Transport Network.   

Former SHU Playing Fields, Hemsworth Road, Norton Woodseats (P00511)

Possible allocation: Mixed use (Housing and Open Space)

Current designation in UDP: Open Space Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 40

This is a disused former playing field. SHU own the site and have previously shown interest in developing housing here. However, the pitch is of a quality that merits re-instatement to meet future needs for sports provision and other recreational uses in a district that is otherwise constrained by its topography. The site is within reasonable walking distance of sufficient local services at Derbyshire Lane Neighbourhood Centre and of the Core Public Transport Network. A modest amount of housing on part of the site (no more than a third) could be acceptable to enable the re-instatement of the rest for sports use. New housing would therefore be conditional on an agreement to re-instate at least 2.66ha of the site for a full sized cricket oval/other pitches of an appropriate standard and/or another type of open space required to satisfy local needs. Access to the site may be problematic without demolition of some existing dwellings.

Land at Norton Lane, Norton Oakes (P00512)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: Housing Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 30

This site is located opposite Oakes Park and adjacent to the former Talbot School. It could become one allocation with the former Talbot School which is already proposed for housing, or development should at least be integrated. Although there are no known sites or monuments within this area, there is some evidence for remnants of mediaeval strip fields. Any allocation of this site would depend on archaeological, ecological and agricultural surveys not identifying anything of significant value. Part of the site (the location and minimum size of which will be informed by an ecological survey) should be retained as accessible informal open space serving as a Green Link between existing parks.

There is good accessibility from the site and access to local facilities within reasonable walking distance, although some highways works and education contributions would be needed to enable development.

Beighton Road, Woodhouse (P00367)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current allocation in UDP: Housing

Estimated dwelling capacity: 90

This site is currently allocated for housing in the UDP. It is adjacent to existing housing but was proposed as a Community Facility (vocational centre) allocation in the previous draft SDF consultation. However, the Council’s Children and Young People’s Directorate has subsequently confirmed that because of the lack of available funding for the Service District and Sheffield College’s expansion of the Peaks Centre, that use is no longer required. It’s therefore considered appropriate for the site to revert to a housing allocation. It has always had an underlying designation of Housing Area.

Scrapyard and Vacant Land at Junction Road, Woodhouse (P00509)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: Housing Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 60

Located between Junction Road and the railway line, this site was previously proposed as an Open Space Area in the draft SDF consultation draft (2010). It has open space and wildlife value and is recognised as part of a Green Link so only partial development would be acceptable. It is in a relatively sustainable location for housing as there are at least 5 facilities within reasonable walking distance, and there are no obvious highway constraints into the site.

Woodhouse East (farmland area) (P00510)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current allocation in UDP: Housing Area with partial Housing Site allocation

Estimated dwelling capacity: 220

This site currently forms part of a larger allocated housing Site in the UDP. Located between the existing urban area and the Green Belt, this site was previously proposed as a Countryside Area in the draft SDF consultation, but the proposed housing allocation would mean keeping the current Housing Area designation instead. Most of the site is currently in agricultural use and it is not defined as open space in the Open Space Audit. There should be sufficient sewerage capacity by 2013 to accommodate development. Hedgerows and other features of ecological interest on and adjacent to the site would be safeguarded as far as possible, recognising the environmental improvement work already carried out in the area. The site has fewer than 5 local facilities within reasonable walking distance although a local convenience store would be required as part of the development, subject to its viability being proven. Improvements to public transport would be required, therefore, and any allocation would be subject to an archaeological, ecological and agricultural land survey not identifying anything of significant value.

Holbrook Rise, Holbrook (P00495)

Possible allocation: Business and Industry

Current designation in UDP: General Industry Area with Special Industries

This allocation would mean no change to proposed uses – it is within an existing industrial area and presents an opportunity to develop employment uses on a Council owned site. It is within reasonable walking distance of a Supertram stop so high numbers of employees would be supported.

Hadfield Service Reservoir, off Glebe Road/ Blakeney Road, Crookes (P00496)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: Open Space Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 40

Previously the site was proposed as a Housing Area in the draft SDF consultation, so a housing allocation would reflect the underlying Policy Area already proposed. Once the reservoir has been decommissioned, Yorkshire Water is likely to market the site after 2017 or 2022.

It is bounded on three sides by existing housing but there is some existing healthy grassland on the banks of the reservoir which should be retained. There are no issues with public transport accessibility or with walking distances to local facilities, though contributions to secondary school provision would be needed towards the end of the decade, and some highway works may be needed to gain access to develop the site.   

Lydgate Reservoir, Evelyn Road, Crookes (P00497)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: Housing Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 20

Previously the site was proposed as a Housing Area in the draft SDF consultation, so a housing allocation would reflect the underlying Policy Area already proposed. Once the reservoir has been decommissioned, Yorkshire Water is likely to market the site after 2017 or 2022. Highway access works would be required, improvements to public transport and contributions to secondary school provision would be needed towards the end of the decade, but there are no issues with access to local facilities or ecology. 

Canterbury Crescent, Fulwood (P00517)

Possible allocation: Housing

Current designation in UDP: Housing Area

Estimated dwelling capacity: 15

This site is within the existing urban area, adjacent to existing open space and opposite residential properties on Canterbury Crescent. It was previously proposed as an Open Space Area in the draft SDF consultation, however the most recent planning decision did not accept that the site had open space value and neither does the Open Space Audit undertaken since. Therefore, this site is proposed to revert to a Housing Area. There are no issues with public transport accessibility and access to local facilities, but an ecological assessment is needed to determine appropriate mitigation measures to be specified in the allocation.

Labour should be fair to all

Congratulations must go to Brendan Ingle and his daughter Bridget for their sterling work in securing a new £240,000 community centre for the Wincobank area. I know the incredible impact he has had on that community.

While I’m pleased that people in Wincobank have secured council funding for their community building, it’s a shame that other facilities in the city, like Stocksbridge Leisure Centre, have had funding slashed by Labour.

Why can money be found for new projects in some areas, while in others we are constantly told no resources are available. I fear this is a return to Labour’s favoured areas policy, in which vast swathes of Sheffield lose out.

Labour should be fair to all areas. They should find the money to restore the £200,000 cut to disabled facilities at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre, particularly as the leisure budget at Sheffield Town Hall is showing an underspend.

It’s disappointing that Stockbridge’s Labour councillor disagrees with me.

Jack Clarkson, Lib Dem Coun for Stocksbridge and Upper Don

Lib Dems on Sheffield City Council have had their local plan to fund new job placements accepted. However, instead of implementing it immediately the Labour controlled Council have delayed the start until next financial year.

£405,000 from unpaid wages was saved by the Council when 45% of the workforce went out on strike last month. Lib Dems came up with the idea to use the windfall to create extra job placements for local young people.

Under the Lib Dem plan the £405,000 will create nearly 100 new apprenticeship posts, which would virtually double the local scheme currently being run by the Labour controlled Council.

Although the Labour Deputy Leader of Council has accepted the Lib Dem plan, he has delayed using the funds until 2012/13 (1). This will see the £405,000 investment sat in a bank account doing nothing for 15 weeks, until April 1^st at the earliest.

Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council, said: -

“I’m delighted that the Sheffield Lib Dem idea to create nearly 100 extra local job placements for young people has been accepted. The Council deserve credit for ignoring those Trade Union Leaders who had opposed our plan. However, I am extremely disappointed that Labour councillors have inexplicably chosen to delay the plan until next financial year.

“There is no reason to delay as the money is sat in a bank account doing nothing. Young people need action to help them now, not in a few months time. Labour’s dithering will not only cost them an opportunity for a work placement, but it could also cost the taxpayer in unnecessary benefit payments.

“We are calling on Labour councillors in the Town Hall to implement our plan now. The Council needs to stop dithering and get on with the vital job of giving our local young people an opportunity.”

Councillor Jack Clarkson commented ” Labour just can not bear to think that the Lib Dems have come up with a sensible proposal that will double the number of apprenticeships.

Although they have agreed to our plan, they are now dithering, and have decided to sit on the £405,000 that should be used to train young people for work places. Why on earth have Labour Councillors decided not to release the monies until the next financial year.

Young people should be given the opportunity to train for a job now, not be used as political pawns in Labours spiteful delay tactics.

Cllr Jack Clarkson 

Since I complained about the £200,000 cut to the Stocksbridge Leisure Centre by the Labour controlled Council, things really got heated at the Stocksbridge Town Council meeting on Thursday 10th November  2011, when the Labour City Councillor for  Stocksbridge and the Upper Don was asked to explain why he had voted along with his Labour Party colleague’s in cutting over £200,000 of the £300,000 funding given to the centre by the Lib Dems for vital repairs, including the installation of a disabled lift for wheelchair access and people with mobility issues.  

Cllr  WOOD stated that he had voted in favour of the cuts, to save the centre. (How does that work then)   Labour say that they have invested in the centre, well please tell us all,  just how much has been invested in Stocksbridge by the Labour Council.

Nothing at all has been invested, only £200,000 taken away from the people of Stocksbridge and the Upper Don.   

The local Labour Councillor in my opinion should be sticking up for the people of Stocksbridge, not voting in favour of £200,000 in cuts, to be shared amongst the other sports centres in Sheffield.  

Stocksbridge and the Upper Don, is the ward that Cllr Wood and I were elected to represent, he should be fighting for local people, not saluting his parties flag in favour of cuts to Stocksbridge.

I don’t begrudge for one minute the other sports centre’s receiving monies, but this should be found from other funding streams, not monies given to Stocksbridge.

I make no apologises for pushing this issue, this is Labours responsibility to ensure that more funding is given to the centre, to ensure its sustainability, not hiding behind Sheffield International Venues, suggesting  its not the councils responsibility to manage  it. Well yes it is, it falls under the Councils umberella (If they can take money away, they can give it back)  

((((((((((give it back now)))))))))

It was local people who in the seventies, who through local donations and subscriptions, after nearly 5 years, raised the cash which eventually built the swimming pool at Stocksbridge and this is how they are repaid.

After a very heated debate indeed,  I proposed that the Town Council should in fact write to Ms Angela Smith MP, asking Ms Smith her thoughts and concerns on the matter, after all she supports the people of Stocksbridge and the Upper Don doesn’t she ?

I was left  dumb struck when all the Labour Town Councillors in attendance (Cllr Phil WOOD/ Cllr Paul JAGGER /Cllr Susan ABRAHAMS voted against the proposal of writing to their own MP (Why?) well probably you may be asking the same question.

LABOUR UP TO THEIR OLD TRICKS

I suspect they don’t want to cause her any embarrassment.

Take care

Cllr Jack Clarkson

Stocksbridge and the Upper Don

Sheffield Labour councilliors, including a Labour councillor for Stocksbridge, have voted down a council motion which would have reversed cuts to a vital refurbishment budget at Stocksbridge Leisure Centre.

The motion was tabled at today’s Full Council meeting ~ 2nd November 2001   by Liberal Democrat Stocksbridge councillor Jack Clarkson.

The motion proposed reinstating the £200,000 cut to Stocksbridge Leisure Centre, so that vital work to make the Centre accessible to disabled local residents can go ahead as planned.

Last month Labour councillors on Sheffield City Council slashed the previously agreed £300,000 refurbishment budget for Stocksbridge Leisure Centre by £200,000, without any consultation. The original budget had been agreed by the previous Liberal Democrat Administration.

As a result, vital improvements including the installation of a lift and disabled changing facilities may not go ahead. This would leave disabled residents with a 40 minute round trip (15 miles Stocksbridge to Hillsborough Leisure Centre) to appropriate alternative facilities.

Much to the dismay of his ward colleagues, the Labour councillor for Stocksbridge, Cllr Philip Wood, backed the cut and voted against the motion to reinstate the funding for Stocksbridge.

Cllr Jack Clarkson, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Stocksbridge and Upper Don Ward, said: -

“Labour councillors, including the one who is supposed to represent Stocksbridge, have taken a disgraceful decision to slash this desperately needed investment. Those that suffer as a result will be the most vulnerable and the disabled, as we have no guarantee that the high quality disabled access needed will now be installed.”

“People in Stocksbridge are worried that Labour now have their eyes on closure. Rest assured I’ll fight them every step of the way. Our location means that local people cannot easily go to facilities elsewhere, such as Pond’s Forge. That’s why it’s vital that our Leisure Centre is kept open.

“Most shockingly, Stocksbridge Labour councillor, Phil Wood stood by this shameful decision and refused the stand up for Stocksbridge as he promised. Instead he wants to see millions wasted on Labour’s pet projects, like posh flats at Park Hill.”

Labour councillors on Sheffield City Council are to slash the previously agreed £300,000 refurbishment budget for Stocksbridge Leisure Centre by £200,000. The original budget was agreed by the previous Liberal Democrat Administration.

A report will be coming to the Labour-run Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday (19th Oct), which recommends re-allocating £200,000 previously intended for Stocksbridge Leisure Centre. The funds were earmarked for improving access inside the Centre, installing better toilets and renovating changing facilities.

Cllr Jack Clarkson, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Stocksbridge and Upper Don Ward, said:

“Stocksbridge Leisure Centre is in desperate need of repairs and refurbishment, so last year we were delighted when the Lib Dem leadership on the Council found the £300,000 required.

“Our location means that local people cannot easily go to facilities elsewhere, such as Pond’s Forge. It beggars belief that Labour councillors in Sheffield Town Hall have prioritised spending £2.5 million to help turn Park Hill into posh flats over investment to help keep Stocksbridge’s only leisure centre open. It’s just shocking that they can do this to local people without any consultation or notice.”