You are leader of the Sheffield City Council and Europe gives you 500 Million pounds or (6 euros lol) to spend on Sheffield how would you spend it?

Firstly, the roads. They're in an appalling state, as are many of the pavements. Potholes and cracks everywhere, and faded road markings. I'd rip out all the traffic 'calming' measures because...

-road humps could cause damage to vehicles over the long term.
-'chicanes'/islands that narrow the road make the road more dangerous for drivers trying to squeeze through, especially if someone ignorant doesn't give way.

....and instead fit more speed cameras near schools and pedestrian zones, as well as smaller streets with proven records of accidents. NOT on the sodding parkway for gods sake, or any other place where they're put purely for revenue, not to ensure safety.

Secondly I would install more security cameras around town and also in run down crime ridden areas, in an attempt to drive out the thugs that mindlessly vandalise, graffitti, and even rob, rape and murder in our city. Security guards in big numbers could be used to drive out thugs in the worst estates.

I would also BLOCK all future attempts to knock down prestigious, old buildings with heritage and replace them with new 'luxury' apartments that simply lower the tone of the area and look out of place, not inkeeping with the surroundings at all.

I would build new carparks in town on the older run down existing car parks, making them multi storey ones to increase capacity and security. Bad parking is one reason for lack of shoppers in the city centre. Parking would also have a maximum fee of 60p per hour. The Moor would have more undercover areas next to the shops, on BOTH sides, and this would continue down Fargate. Rain is another reason why people often opt for Meadowhall over the city centre.

I would demolish ALL of the horrible looking tower block flats around the city and rebuild them as better looking towers and some housing.


Moving on to more 'dream land' ideas, I would build 'double decker' roads over major roads with lots of traffic such as Ecclesall Road. Traffic could flow on to both Ecclesall Road and the new over head road, thus doubling capacity. Alternatively, underground roads could be built, UNDER the major roads.

I don't know how far into my budget I am, but I'm out of ideas for now. 8)

Employ more teachers to relieve the pressure on the existing ones.
Buy back playing fields and pay for sports tuition in schools.
Replace inappropriate bathrooms in elderly peoples' homes. Currently many of them have to strip wash as they cannot get into and out of baths safely.
Provide youth activity facilities to encourage the awkward teens to socialise and not vandalise.
Provide centres where the homeless can get accommodation and meals.
Organise social events where the residents of Sheffield can meet new residents of Sheffield (viz. immigrants and asylum seekers).
Re-open and enlarge drug rehabilitation units.
Ditto secure housing for battered partners.

Was that only £500m?

If there's more then I might have a go at roads but it's way down in my list of priorities.

Originally posted by "maxt"

Replace inappropriate bathrooms in elderly peoples' homes.

How about replacing inappropriate £10,000 bathrooms in Council chambers!!

I think I would use the money to revamp the whole decaying system of local government in Sheffield, and buy a huge firecracker to stick up the back end of each councillor. This is Sheffield's real problem.

Do you mean the £2000 kitchen they put in so the secretaries could make tea and wash the pots without doing it in the toilets (which is contrary to H&S regs)?

Originally posted by "maxt"

Do you mean the £2000 kitchen they put in so the secretaries could make tea and wash the pots without doing it in the toilets (which is contrary to H&S regs)?

No the £3000 toilet and basin - state of the art (not good old B&Q stuff)

Originally posted by "Amazed14"

Do you mean the £2000 kitchen they put in so the secretaries could make tea and wash the pots without doing it in the toilets (which is contrary to H&S regs)?

No the £3000 toilet and basin - state of the art (not good old B&Q stuff)

Did it cost £10,000 to put in and is now only worth £3,000? And how is a toilet and basin inappropriate?

Originally posted by "maxt"

Did it cost £10,000 to put in and is now only worth £3,000? And how is a toilet and basin inappropriate?

There was a story about an outrageously expensive bit of bathroom kit that was installed in the Mayoral chambers. I think it may have been hastily removed. £3000 for the basin is what I recall.

With my £500 million, I'd start by modernising council housing. Every council home would have double glazing and central heating.

I'd spend money repairing school buildings, many of which are in a poor state.

I'd use some of the money to improve public transport - building roads isn't the answer to the traffic problem. I'd make buses and trams very cheap (or even free), and I'd make sure the bus routes served all parts of the city. Maybe I'd invest in some new vehicles too, to replace the oldest of the fleet.

I'd spend some money on the city centre - generally tidying it up, remvoing rubbish and making it a pleasent place to be.

If there was anything left, I'd spend something on the city's parks and open spaces. Many are in a disgraceful condition - I'd tidy them up, plant some flowers, put in some swings and stuff for the kids, and most importantly employ some handymen to keep them in good condition.

I think I've spent up now.

I would re-clad the front of Park Hill flats. There is no escaping the fact that they create a negative image to people visiting the city, as they are in a very prominent position. Also because my office window looks directly over them and I am bored of the view.
I would make the tram free from the train station to the Cathedral, another positive thing for people visiting the city.
Speed cameras around schools (with film in them).
I would embezzle the rest of the money and spend it on a big house and regular holidays in the Maldives.

Speaking of the Park Hill falts...I'd shut down the nearby Bernard Road incinerator. And as you're from Crookes, I'm sure you'd appreciate the closing down of that toxic waste dump over in Shirecliffe!

Straight into my bank account!!!

Originally posted by "halevan"

Straight into my bank account!!!

Nice Halevan, I'm sure someone would build a statue to commemorate your misanthropy.

What would I do?
Drop a neutron bomb on Manchester and nick all their stuff.
or
Flood Lincs and Notts by nuking the north pole, and return Sheffield to its former Seaside Glory.

less frivolous/more serious:

Bring all housing in Sheffield up to a good standard of insulation and energy effeciency, and as pleasantly habitable as possible.

Bring all the roads up to scratch and install effective speed restrictions and special traffic controls for built up residential areas.

Convert existing derelict commercial property and wasteland in appropriate areas to green spaces with sports and recreation facililties.

Implement a wholesale improvement of existing green spaces, including more litter patrols, tickets for dog fouling and fixed penalty (£25) fines for littering.

More CCTV and visible police foot patrols. Also let the police get rid of their flippin utility belts, police are civilian, and should not end up looking like special forces - entirely the wrong impression.

launch the 'Sheffield Network Blimp'. Sheffield needs it's own massive intranet for education, business, local government, civil and emeregency services, and of course local residents. Solution, use a big blimp as a low altitude communications satellite.

Thanks PRM. I have found fame and recognition at last in my own city, however, is it fame or imfamy? can you start a collection for me please, you will soon know whether I am famous or notorious!!!

Originally posted by "chill"

I would re-clad the front of Park Hill flats.
You probably wouldn't be allowed - they're a listed building...

Re-incarnation of old thread for the benefit of all those t020s who complain about being mis-led :roll:

Originally posted by Andy
With my £500 million, I'd start by modernising council housing. Every council home would have double glazing and central heating.

I'd spend money repairing school buildings, many of which are in a poor state.

I'd use some of the money to improve public transport - building roads isn't the answer to the traffic problem. I'd make buses and trams very cheap (or even free), and I'd make sure the bus routes served all parts of the city. Maybe I'd invest in some new vehicles too, to replace the oldest of the fleet.

I'd spend some money on the city centre - generally tidying it up, remvoing rubbish and making it a pleasent place to be.

If there was anything left, I'd spend something on the city's parks and open spaces. Many are in a disgraceful condition - I'd tidy them up, plant some flowers, put in some swings and stuff for the kids, and most importantly employ some handymen to keep them in good condition.

I think I've spent up now.

Is Andy actually on the council? :suspect: All these seem to be being tackled now :thumbsup:

I would build an underground system, with stations at :

Town Hall
Hunters Bar
London Road
Heeley (obviously)
Attercliffe
Both football grounds

to reduce the amount fo traffic, it would be free too, and run of wind power.

I'm getting abit carried away now.

Originally posted by Strix
Re-incarnation of old thread for the benefit of all those t020s who complain about being mis-led :roll:



Is Andy actually on the council? :suspect: All these seem to be being tackled now :thumbsup:

Have they?


Many of the council houses on the Shiregreen estate have never been modernised and still have downstairs toilets, and no double glazing.

I wasn't aware that bus fares had been reduced or that the tram fares were free of charge. In fact I thought that bus fares had just been increased.

Also, a bus I saw the other day was a B Reg. Looks like some of the older fleet still exist. :confused:

500 million quid. That's half the amount that Sheffield City Council are already spending on the decent homes standard - which is bringing every council property up to date with doubling glazing, central heating, and an upstairs toilet and bath, etc. So, no use spending this dream money on housing.

No point in investing the money in new schools, 'cos every school in Sheffield is going to be rebuilt or improved.

I see a lot of forummers complain about graffiti, litter, dog poo, fly-tipping, and similar. So I'd invest in a clean-up of affected areas, and employ extra wardens and CCTV to monitor. Some of the dosh would also be spent on an enhanced education programme in our schools.

Next I'd employ more youth mentors and provide young people with additional facilities (skateboard parks, BMX routes, and similar) to keep them engaged in constructive and socially accepted activities.

Must have spent about half the dosh by now. So maybe I'd divide up the remaining money and hand it over to community organisations to spend and invest in their own localities as best they think fit. They would have to consult with local people on all spending proposals - but that would help engage as many people as possible, and hopefully lead to more people taking pride in where they live, and demanding a say in improving their community.

That's it! All spent now! When do I receive the cheque?

My first objective would be the roads. Transport and getting around in Sheffield is a nightmare right now and needs some serious thought put into it. First of all, the 'humps would have to go. The council deny all responsibility when people's exhausts get ripped off by these ridiculous and utterly useless measures which provide a free rollercoaster ride to the target chav population that happen to be bright enough to drive. Instead, I'd like to take on more traffic cops and have them actually DO something about people who flout the rules of the road. (Pricey penalties, lots of points on the licence to make you not want to do it again...)

Public transport has to be revolutionised. It must be cheaper (VERY!) and should be in better condition. Have some American's come over to teach the drivers proper customer service (Are smiles really that pricey) and to take an active interest in making their transport cheaper/cleaner/more appealing. All of which it is not at present - hence the volume of traffic on the roads.

Some cash needs to be invested in the city's run down estates. I'm staggered to think that some people don't have double glazing. That's inhuman to live in such conditions! Perhaps coughing up for some gardeners to spruce up the public areas, get some plants/trees and make it look good! I think the reason that half of these estates are so run down is because they have nothing to be proud of. All the houses look the same, council housing comes with a lot of stigma, so perhaps a respectable landmark may give themselves something to have a sense of pride in. IE - Norfolk park area has a library thingy/learning centre in the park which had quite a good kids play area when I last went there (few years ago)

The city centre needs tidying up. How about we get some people off the dole, employ them as council workers and have them cleaning up our city every Sunday Morning, for example (Thats when I think the city looks most shabby, after the Sat night binge!) This would give a nicer impression to people who commute to work here during the week, instead of wading through litter!

City Centre car parks should be multi story and cheaper. Yes, you'll still have to pay, but if you get the bus, under Caprice's council you won't have to pay very little at all! This should eliminate dangerous parking, people pulling onto pavements and generally get rid of the frustration/pollution of people driving in circles to find a parking space. Thus bringing more cash to our city centre, which is falling by the wayside to places like Meadowhall which HAVE adequate parking. (Are the council really this stupid!)

I'm sure I'd still have a bit of dosh left, but as of yet, I can't think of anything else lol!

That statue of Clive Betts, that was suggested on March 31st, should be one of the first thing to have cash lavished on it!

Re: T020's post (it was too hefty to cut and paste)

I've never warmed to your political posts in the past, but you get my vote this time around. Give him the money, Jon. - You still have the money don't you, Jon? - Jon?

Originally posted by Ant
Re: T020's post (it was too hefty to cut and paste)

I've never warmed to your political posts in the past, but you get my vote this time around. Give him the money, Jon. - You still have the money don't you, Jon? - Jon? dude i invested all my money in WOMD in Tierack all £5 worth :o

Originally posted by Ant
Re: T020's post (it was too hefty to cut and paste)

I've never warmed to your political posts in the past, but you get my vote this time around. Give him the money, Jon. - You still have the money don't you, Jon? - Jon?

Well, thank you. It doesn't seem like 2 years since I wrote that.. scary stuff.

;) the good old days hey t020 who drags these old threads up?

Originally posted by Jon
;) the good old days hey t020 who drags these old threads up?

Indeed. ;)

Strix does usually.... she seems to enjoy it. :D

Originally posted by t020
Indeed. ;)

Strix does usually.... she seems to enjoy it. :D :suspect: 5280 posts why not add a few more to her belt ;)

Originally posted by t020
Indeed. ;)

Strix does usually.... she seems to enjoy it. :D
:roll: Strix doesn't have the power to transfer the old threads into the 'I'm really bored' forum :(

Getting this city more geared up to disabled people, but then that's definitely not a priority for our dearly beloved city fathers who couldnt give a monkey's fig leaf about access and accessibility.

Originally posted by t020
Firstly, the roads. They're in an appalling state, as are many of the pavements. Potholes and cracks everywhere, and faded road markings. I'd rip out all the traffic 'calming' measures because...

-road humps could cause damage to vehicles over the long term.
-'chicanes'/islands that narrow the road make the road more dangerous for drivers trying to squeeze through, especially if someone ignorant doesn't give way.

....and instead fit more speed cameras near schools and pedestrian zones, as well as smaller streets with proven records of accidents. NOT on the sodding parkway for gods sake, or any other place where they're put purely for revenue, not to ensure safety.

Secondly I would install more security cameras around town and also in run down crime ridden areas, in an attempt to drive out the thugs that mindlessly vandalise, graffitti, and even rob, rape and murder in our city. Security guards in big numbers could be used to drive out thugs in the worst estates.

I would also BLOCK all future attempts to knock down prestigious, old buildings with heritage and replace them with new 'luxury' apartments that simply lower the tone of the area and look out of place, not inkeeping with the surroundings at all.

I would build new carparks in town on the older run down existing car parks, making them multi storey ones to increase capacity and security. Bad parking is one reason for lack of shoppers in the city centre. Parking would also have a maximum fee of 60p per hour. The Moor would have more undercover areas next to the shops, on BOTH sides, and this would continue down Fargate. Rain is another reason why people often opt for Meadowhall over the city centre.

I would demolish ALL of the horrible looking tower block flats around the city and rebuild them as better looking towers and some housing.


Moving on to more 'dream land' ideas, I would build 'double decker' roads over major roads with lots of traffic such as Ecclesall Road. Traffic could flow on to both Ecclesall Road and the new over head road, thus doubling capacity. Alternatively, underground roads could be built, UNDER the major roads.

I don't know how far into my budget I am, but I'm out of ideas for now. 8) cant add to, nor better this post, vote for to20 ,i would..

I would spend it on some naff building that the public don't want and then after a few years decide to spend the remainder to get it pulled down.

Originally posted by Jon
You are leader of the Sheffield City Council and Europe gives you 500 Million pounds or (6 euros lol) to spend on Sheffield how would you spend it?

spend a couple of million booting the useless pen pushers out, getting a proper admin system in (that doesnt take 40 people to make a council tax decision) then spend the last couple of million on decent chrimbo deco's, and lights!!

:D :D :D

Legal funding for a repeal of any regs which impede progress or frusrate fairness by hiding behing legal cliches such as Data protection, Health and safety,

To pass a bye law which enables police to police - teachers to teach and medics to practice un threatened by compensation culture.

Create a regional safe haven for those who are employed to do a job to be permitted to get on with that job and entrusted to employ whatever means necessary to effect best practice unencumbered by greedy litigants employing half baked laws for individual gain at societies expense.

To legalise firing squads for unsuccessful claimants and their lawyers giving full rights of appeal to relatives of the deceased in the court of human rights with possibility of full posthumous pardons for consequential dead lawyers in the interests of justice. -

To allow Sheffield to function by addressing problems i ways which are effective as opposed to those which are criminalised by judges and politicians who will never experience the consequences of the crimes which tthey claim knowledge to judge.

A bye law which entitles all councillors to minimum wage and any further payments to be on performance related pay and endorsed by the electorate.

Originally posted by logiebaird
A bye law which entitles all councillors to minimum wage and any further payments to be on performance related pay and endorsed by the electorate.

This one will be accepted with alacrity by most councillors as it would entail a massive rise. :clap:

Originally posted by max
This one will be accepted with alacrity by most councillors as it would entail a massive rise. :clap:

Well done. What an excellent recipe for all round corruption. Dont know why we all didnt think of that before. And their staff, ie the council workers would also be able to rig the performance related pay so you've definitely got a vote winner as far as Bob Kerslake's concerned.

And the basis for that remark from the voice of the electorate total of 1 - sounds like sheffield democracy to me

Originally posted by wendygs
Well done. What an excellent recipe for all round corruption. Dont know why we all didnt think of that before. And their staff, ie the council workers would also be able to rig the performance related pay so you've definitely got a vote winner as far as Bob Kerslake's concerned.

Just applying the minimum wage to the hours they spend on council duties would be enough without prp.

Bit vague - is that attendance mony then - payment for turning up house of lords style - What is the productive element of these "council duties" what do a get to see touch taste or experience ?

Originally posted by logiebaird
Bit vague - is that attendance mony then - payment for turning up house of lords style - What is the productive element of these "council duties" what do a get to see touch taste or experience ?

There's no such thing as attendance allowance in Sheffield. All councillors get a flat rate of about £9k which is meant to cover everything.

My partner's a councillor and including time spent in the town hall, travelling, community meetings, case work and time on the 'phone to constituents, officers and other councillors applying the minimum wage to actual hours spent would push that £9k well into double figures.

If you add in being available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to her constituents at £2 p.h. (which is pretty standard in the IT world) that would mean a further £336 p.w.

Originally posted by Amazed14
No the £3000 toilet and basin - state of the art (not good old B&Q stuff)

State of the art or quality materials? :confused:

I'm sure you'll appreciate that the Town Hall is a listed building (class one i believe) and you can't just going sticking a B&Q quality loo in there. :nono:


With £500m I'd certainly improve the quality of the highway infrastructure, improve council houses and make sure all schools had the staff and equipment needed.
Somehow don't think £500m is enough though. :(

Re Max - Very impressive but oh so vague - travelling where and why - If i am to spend 9k on your counsel identified worthy work what do i see at the end of it. - if i applied for a lotery grant based on your qualification of travelling an foning with no tangible end product then the grant would quirte rightly be refused.

I would gladly do a bit of travelling and foning voluntarily for the right cause - if i were expecting remuneration than i would expect to be asked to show the tangible benefit in terms other than time spent.

I have spent plenty of time in the offices of local MPs and have yet to interupt one of them working on anythig so important that they couldnt stop or delegate.

If i pay a roadsweeper i get a clean street - If i pay a window cleaner - i get clean windows - i pay a councillor i get .....half page of unqualified waffle about time spent achieving precious little by the looks of things

You may not wish to call it attendance money but if there is no end product that is exactly what it is - (though i stand to be corrected ) - show me a councillors ahievement i the way i can show you the roadsweepers or the window cleaners achievements

Make Sheffield's city centre more like Leeds or Manchesters in 2010.

Originally posted by Jon
You are leader of the Sheffield City Council and Europe gives you 500 Million pounds or (6 euros lol) to spend on Sheffield how would you spend it?

Firstly, I would need to take myself and a number of Council experts on trips to visit other Cities of Significance, including Barcelona, Berlin, Chicago, Rome, Vancouver, Sydney, New Delhi, and Paris to see how the councils in those places spend similar amounts of money on the Welfare of the Citizens and improving the International Significance of their cities.

With small amount of remaining money I would hold a civic reception where the Lord Mayor would invite Micheal Vaughn, David Blunkett, all the councillors and senior officers to eat a giant pie at the citizens expense.

The Star would be invited to take photos for the enjoyment of the citizens.

The Officially Audited Output will state that Council Tax needs to go up next year to pay for Increased Services.