Dear Constituents
Here we are at the end of the first month of this new year already. Here is what I’ve been involved in on behalf of the Birley Ward and, as always, I have been supported by Birley Ward Labour Candidate for the next election Matt Dwyer.
We are keen to listening to your views and concerns. Matt Dwyer organised the following sessions so we can learn what is important to you.
Sunday 21st January – Matt was out in Basegreen talking to residents about local issues. Many residents brought up issues around parking in the area and he and Councillor Karen McGowan have taken up these complaints with relevant council officers and agencies to see what action can be taken. It’s also clear that a general election, which must take place within the next 12 months, is on people’s minds and a lot of residents voiced their opinions on the current government.
Sunday 28th January, 1:30-3pm: Walking Surgery on the Weaklands estate. It was really great to meet so many people and we took forward issues with the relevant agencies on litter, concerns of water drainage in bad weather, dog fouling and off-road bikes.
Wednesday 10th January Karen met Parking Enforcement and Sustainability officers outside Birley Spa Primary Academy after she had received complaints from concerned residents and parents. The facebook post did attract some negative comments. I would like to take this opportunity to say that I do feel that keeping our community safe is very important and I would again appeal to those that are not parking appropriately to please think about this.
Friday 12th January – I attended the memorial service of Royal British Legion veteran and Basegreen resident Maurice “Moss” Walker. It was an absolute honour and pleasure to have known Moss who was still active at the grand age of 90. I’d only been with him in November selling poppies at Crystal Peaks and then at the Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph in Barkers Pool. He was such a jovial man always smiling.
Monday 15th January the councillors’ monthly surgery 2-3 pm at Gleadless library. It was lovely to see the young children from Charnock Hall Primary Academy visit and they were so well behaved and polite. What a credit to their school and parents they were.
Friday 19th January – I was invited by the Headteacher to attend a meeting at Charnock Hall primary Academy along with MP Clive Betts and School Governor Richard Caborn (former MP). I had the pleasure of meeting volunteers from the Charnock & Ridgeway Football Club and it was great to hear of the work they do.
Monday 22 January – I attended the Birley Ward Community Action Group (CAG) meeting. This meeting involves professionals from all relevant areas (such as police, Housing, Streetsahead, Business Sheffield, Youth Services etc.) We have an Action Plan to tackle problems at a Ward level. All the various agencies share information and work together to tackling issues that have been identified.
Tuesday 23rd January – We have the Birley Ward Labour Party Branch meeting where Councillor Karen McGowan updated members.
Friday 26 January 9.30-12.30 – I attended the Communities, Parks & Leisure Committee Away Day Session. We received briefings on the Asylum Migration, European S Scheme, Shared Prosperity Fund and Cost of Living update. It was really interesting to hear how the council had been piloting engagement with schools, talking to pupils about the need for budgeting due to rising costs.
Monday 29th January – I attended the Communities, Parks & Leisure Committee and I was really pleased that we agreed that funding will be continued for the next 2 years to volunteer run libraries, including Frecheville and Gleadless libraries in the Birley Ward. This is great news, especially in the current climate where some services are experiencing budget reductions, and should give a period of stability. Thank you to our volunteers who keep these services running for our communities. Other items discussed at the committee included: City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) and Climate Statements. We received verbal updates on the Rose Garden Café and an Update Launch of Sport & Leisure Strategy.
Monday 29th January – I attended the Holocaust Memorial Day Civic Event at 5.30-7.00pm at the Cutlers Hall. The theme for the event was the Fragility of Freedom. We heard a moving story from Hedi Argent who was a Holocaust Survivor and Refugee.
Tuesday 30th January I visited Springwater House residents with Matt Dwyer. It’s always great to visit here and Matt said afterwards, “It was great to see the scheme and meet the residents – thank you for making me feel so welcome. It was good to her your issues and I will work with Councillor Karen McGowan to see what we can do”.
Tuesday 30th January – I attended the Frecheville Community Centre Carnival committee meeting along with Councillor Bryan Lodge.