"This consultation was postponed two years ago at the last minute and without explanation on the orders of the executive member for city futures Councillor Mazher Iqbal — and remains in limbo." Why? Perhaps an investigative journalist can delve deeper in to this. Maybe look at all the other issues and controversies concerning said Councillor.
Yes, this piece was about Castlegate's future. There have been previous stories in other media outlets (links below) about the investigation into Councillor Iqbal. He was later found not to have breached the council's code of conduct.
I saw the articles. In my view and from my experience this is little more than a whitewash. I remember Simon Ogden as a very conscientious and scrupulously correct officer. He was, and I assume remains, a Socialist and would not be saying what he said for any political advantage. Read carefully the quotes from the Council and you see this was not a proper 'independent' or even a thorough enquiry. Dig deep if you want to uncover what has been buried. I am not involved in any political activity anymore but I still care about Sheffield and as an amateur historian I really care about Castlegate. I hope someone can uncover the truth about why the opportunities for all Sheffielders that could derive from exploiting the history of the area aren't happening. I just hope we don't lose this opportunity but I feel pretty sure we will. So sad what is happening.
"This consultation was postponed two years ago at the last minute and without explanation on the orders of the executive member for city futures Councillor Mazher Iqbal — and remains in limbo." Why? Perhaps an investigative journalist can delve deeper in to this. Maybe look at all the other issues and controversies concerning said Councillor.
Yes, this piece was about Castlegate's future. There have been previous stories in other media outlets (links below) about the investigation into Councillor Iqbal. He was later found not to have breached the council's code of conduct.
https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/people/cabinet-member-robustly-denies-allegations-of-holding-sheffield-back-and-breaking-code-of-conduct-rules-3256422
https://nowthenmagazine.com/articles/all-roads-lead-to-mazher-have-favouritism-and-political-inaction-held-back-the-regeneration-of-former-castle-market-site
https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/politics/council/sheffield-councillor-exonerated-after-investigation-3443515
https://nowthenmagazine.com/articles/no-evidence-sheffield-councillor-broke-rules-despite-committee-concerns
I saw the articles. In my view and from my experience this is little more than a whitewash. I remember Simon Ogden as a very conscientious and scrupulously correct officer. He was, and I assume remains, a Socialist and would not be saying what he said for any political advantage. Read carefully the quotes from the Council and you see this was not a proper 'independent' or even a thorough enquiry. Dig deep if you want to uncover what has been buried. I am not involved in any political activity anymore but I still care about Sheffield and as an amateur historian I really care about Castlegate. I hope someone can uncover the truth about why the opportunities for all Sheffielders that could derive from exploiting the history of the area aren't happening. I just hope we don't lose this opportunity but I feel pretty sure we will. So sad what is happening.