Area Panel meeting

I went to the Area Panel meeting at St Swithun's last night. We had a good discussion about the stations plans to restrict pedestrian access. There is massive local feeling against these proposals, yet in the end it seems that East Midlands trains could do it, as the land belongs to them. It is very important that we keep up the pressure on them so that they realise we are not a walkover. We don't want to have to organise demonstrations at the station, but we will if we have too! The main result of the discussion was that the station manager would be invited to the next area panel meeting which we think will be on Tuesday 3rd June. Urban Flash will also be invited to this meeting, so they will hopefully further reinforce how unpopular the station will make itself if it goes ahead with the plans. We will also get a chance to question Urban Splash on their latest plans to make the Park Hill redevelopment more environmentally friendly, something I have been lobbying for since the plans were first published.

The main item on yesterday's agenda was the new Area Action Plan for Manor, Castle and Woodthorpe. This is now in its second draft. The main theme in this is to develop a local worklessness programme. This is a worthy idea, but we shouldn't just be challenging worklessness, as many of the jobs created by multi national corporations still leave people with little sense of self worth. We should be promoting "good work", work that will improve our communities, and make them more sustainable and self sufficient.
I suggested that the Area Panel should seriously look at promoting schemes to make our housing stock, both private and council housing, more energy efficient. This would create jobs, alleviate poverty and reduce our carbon emissions all at the same time. A first phase might involve ensuring all roofs are properly insulated, but then we could go on to consider cavity wall insulation or enveloping for older houses that don't have cavity walls. Individual householders are unlikely to tackle such a project, but if a scheme for a whole street was organised it might then become very much more affordable.

If you would like more information about making your home more environmentally friendly, pay a visit to South Yorkshire Energy Centre at Heeley City Farm. This is the centre that the Green Party ensured funding for in the Council budget- without the pressure from the two Green Councillors its future would be completely uncertain.

Area Panel and litter pick

If you are able to join Victoria Environment Group for the litter pick we will meet as usual, at Victoria Church at 10.00 on Saturday 5th April. Litter pickers and bags are available. Please bring gloves.

Jan Wilson will be giving an update on her discussions with East Midlands Trains about the proposal to stop pedestrians using the station, at the Area Panel meeting next Tuesday 8th April, at St Swithen's Church, Cary Road. Refreshments are available from 6.00pm and the meeting starts at 6.30pm. I understand that this is due to be the first item. All are welcome.

22 bus service

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Litter Pick

Next litter pick is this Saturday, March 1st at 10am-meet at Victoria. Bring gloves. See you there!

Graham

Skye Edge windfarm?

Skye Edge was mentioned on the front page of the Star this week as a possible location for a windfarm.It is certainly a very windy location, and I think the turbines would be a spectacular sign that Sheffield is becoming a green city. I certainly wont be taking the NIMBY view on this one- we need alternative renewable sources of energy and wind energy makes a great deal of sense for Sheffield. The arguments NIMBY protestors use against windfarms, such as noise and bird kill have no justification. Having said that, I am not giving the developers free reign to build all over Skye Edge! This is the best viewpoint of the city of Sheffield and it is a vital piece of open land for recreation. I hope a windfarm can be developed that will still allow access to the open space and viewpoints. And this land belongs to the people of Sheffield- I hope the people of Sheffield will profit from the use of the windfarm, not some rich utility company!

For a 360 degree tour of Skye Edge click here.

The windfarm would compliment the new sustainable housing that is planned for the site where the old flats have been demolished. See the council website for more details.

Pedestrian access to the railway station

I gather there are plans to stop pedestrians using the railway station. This has got to be the most stupid proposal I have heard for a long time. We need an integrated transport system and the most important part of that, to reduce our carbon footprint, is encouraging people to walk. Closing the station for pedestrian access will discourage people from walking and using the Supertram, which has to be accessed through the station for that part of the city. Many residents in the Park Hill area regularly use this route to walk to town. I urge people to protest to the station management. They are managed by East Midlands trains and the email address is getintouch@eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

Area Panel

The Area Panel met on Feb 1st. Unfortunately I wasn't able to be there as it was during the day when I am at work. You can find out all about the area panel and read the minutes and download the newsletter here.
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/in-your-area/area-action/manor-castle-and-woodthorpe-area-action
I think the panel should meet in the evening when people are available to attend.