When I begin planning any retrofit projects/improvements to buildings, the first thing on the agenda is to survey the building and ensure the existing structure is in good repair.
I have been walking into Sheffield City Centre from Banner Cross since my University days (2006 - present). In basic terms, the same problems/inconveniences are still a burden on the pedestrian including:
Decaying leaves underfoot, leaving the footpath slippery and muddy.
Uneven paving slabs to trip over, or, the area under the slab fills with rainwater so when you stand on them, this sprays out and all over the backs of your trousers/shoes.
Uneven asphalt/concrete surface where water ponds - see consequences above.
Uneven road surface where water ponds, bus/car drives past and sprays you with water. Just what you need for the day ahead.
Bins and builders' rubble that seem to have been on the section between Greystones Road and Endcliffe Park for the last ten years.
Moorfoot roundabout - no way of getting across without the underpass, which floods.
Vomit, glass and rubbish along the footpaths for days on end.
Bush/Tree branches at chest/neck height - either bend under them or have to walk around them on the road. Can't go under them with an umbrella. Why are the lower limbs not cut so that they can be walked under?
And the above is just one road (Ecclesall Road). I have repeatedly reported to the Council over the years, and was last advised they were dealing with this in 2020. Still waiting.
Before implementing ‘schemes’ why not get what's already there working?
I wonder why The Tribune considers Oliver Coppard - our new mayor - such a champion of active travel? His record on support for taking buses back under local control is decidedly unconvincing, while his support for the (mothballed) Doncaster airport is beyond enthusiastic, though also uncosted.
I think you’re a bit late to the party to write an article about United. The FA cup semi and promotion back to the Premier League (again), all happened weeks ago.
'No taxation without representation' was the slogan that helped fuel the American Revolution. In Sheffield you could turn that round to say 'No implementation without explanation' when it comes to Active Travel Plans. Just saying 'We know best' has never gone down well with Sheffielders. We aren't Manchester or Leeds or Birmingham. We aren't Liverpool either, but we match them for feistiness. If you want to convince Sheffielders you have to go the extra mile. Like it or not you really do have to involve them from the beginning. Once you get their buy in they will stick with you through thick and thin. But you cross them at your peril. Political leadership is first understanding that South Yorkshire, and Sheffield in particular, is different. Then finding a way to fully explain and properly involve the people. Hard work and time consuming? Of course it is. But that's Sheffield. Long may it remain that way.
When I begin planning any retrofit projects/improvements to buildings, the first thing on the agenda is to survey the building and ensure the existing structure is in good repair.
I have been walking into Sheffield City Centre from Banner Cross since my University days (2006 - present). In basic terms, the same problems/inconveniences are still a burden on the pedestrian including:
Decaying leaves underfoot, leaving the footpath slippery and muddy.
Uneven paving slabs to trip over, or, the area under the slab fills with rainwater so when you stand on them, this sprays out and all over the backs of your trousers/shoes.
Uneven asphalt/concrete surface where water ponds - see consequences above.
Uneven road surface where water ponds, bus/car drives past and sprays you with water. Just what you need for the day ahead.
Bins and builders' rubble that seem to have been on the section between Greystones Road and Endcliffe Park for the last ten years.
Moorfoot roundabout - no way of getting across without the underpass, which floods.
Vomit, glass and rubbish along the footpaths for days on end.
Bush/Tree branches at chest/neck height - either bend under them or have to walk around them on the road. Can't go under them with an umbrella. Why are the lower limbs not cut so that they can be walked under?
And the above is just one road (Ecclesall Road). I have repeatedly reported to the Council over the years, and was last advised they were dealing with this in 2020. Still waiting.
Before implementing ‘schemes’ why not get what's already there working?
I wonder why The Tribune considers Oliver Coppard - our new mayor - such a champion of active travel? His record on support for taking buses back under local control is decidedly unconvincing, while his support for the (mothballed) Doncaster airport is beyond enthusiastic, though also uncosted.
I think you’re a bit late to the party to write an article about United. The FA cup semi and promotion back to the Premier League (again), all happened weeks ago.
How do you square reducing car use with the proliferation of Uber Eats etc.? Coffee by taxi!!
'No taxation without representation' was the slogan that helped fuel the American Revolution. In Sheffield you could turn that round to say 'No implementation without explanation' when it comes to Active Travel Plans. Just saying 'We know best' has never gone down well with Sheffielders. We aren't Manchester or Leeds or Birmingham. We aren't Liverpool either, but we match them for feistiness. If you want to convince Sheffielders you have to go the extra mile. Like it or not you really do have to involve them from the beginning. Once you get their buy in they will stick with you through thick and thin. But you cross them at your peril. Political leadership is first understanding that South Yorkshire, and Sheffield in particular, is different. Then finding a way to fully explain and properly involve the people. Hard work and time consuming? Of course it is. But that's Sheffield. Long may it remain that way.