In the ward

Welcome to your regular Woodhouse Labour Councillors’ report, where you’ll find some of what Mick and Alison were doing on your behalf in August.

The bowling club

Woodhouse West End bowling club is unique in South Yorkshire, in that it has the only all-weather crown green surface. So when we were approached by the club for help to raise the cash to replace the surface, or carpet as it is called, we supported them. 

We worked with the club, Council officers and other funding agencies to raise the £50k needed. As you can imagine this was not easy and has taken over a year, but the funds are now in place and work will soon start. When all the other greens are unplayable due to poor weather, our facility will still be vibrant with visitors from across South Yorkshire.

Balmoral Nursing Home

Mick had the pleasure of visiting Balmoral nursing home on Wednesday 18th August, when they were holding a Macmillan coffee morning. He was asked to judge the best cake – he didn’t sample them all, just a couple. He commented:

“I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said about the dedication of the Macmillan nurses, but I enjoyed meeting the residents and my tour of a very happy and welcoming home. I also met a couple of old family friends.”

Victoria Road Allotments

After problems with fly tipping and criminal behaviour from a small minority of tenants, we are now turning the corner at Victoria Road allotments. After listening to plot holders, Alison and Mick worked with the Allotment Officers, the Neighbourhood policing team and the Local Area Committee to deal with concerns. Several previously unusable plots have now got tenants and some of those responsible for ASB on the site have been evicted.

Clear ups

At the start of August the stone from the collapsed boundary wall at Brockwood Park flats, blocking the pavement on Station Road, was finally cleared. Alison repeatedly contacted council officers from April, asking them to require the owners to at least move the stone on to their own land to clear the pavement. The unacceptably long delays were caused by a change of management company and disputes with the owner’s insurance company about covering the costs. 

Mick contacted officers to get fly tipping in the Stag carpark removed.

Keeping S13 Green Belt

After making detailed written objections to the Handsworth Hall Farm and Bramley Lane/Beaver Hill Road sites, we have confirmed our places to present additional evidence at the local plan hearing about these sites on 13th October.

We are coordinating with residents attending the hearings, including the excellent Save S13 Greenbelt – The Sapphire McCarthy Campaign, to make sure our objections are made as clearly and effectively as we can.

In the Town Hall

Many of you have told us that changes in the way new tenants are given council properties has meant a rise in anti-social behaviour.  Alison has been raising the problems in Woodhouse in housing committee. There are problems across the city, given shortage of housing and staff and years of cuts to services. However, we are making changes where we can to improve support for people and take quicker action when that support isn’t working

In October 2023 the council brought in introductory tenancies, a 12-month trial period for new tenants. Now you get a chance to say how you think council houses should be given to people in the first place. Use this link, or pick up a questionnaire at the library:

Housing Allocations Policy Review | Have Your Say Sheffield

Comment by: Monday 17th November

Get in touch

People often raise issues on Facebook – but the best way to get in touch with us is via email or phone, especially if you need to give us details in confidence in order to get things done. Call or email us:

Councillor Alison Norris

Alison.norris@councillor.sheffield.gov.uk

Tel: 07584 596399

Surgeries

1st Saturday of the month – 10.30am to 12pm – Ballifield and Handsworth TARA office, 409 Handsworth Rd

2nd Saturday of the month – 10.30am to 12pm – Walking surgery, invite me to your street!

Councillor Mick Rooney 

mick.rooney@councillor.sheffield.gov.uk

Tel: 0114 2392698

Surgeries

3rd Saturday of the month- 10.30am to 12pm – Woodhouse Library