babymonkey

Graffiti seems to have appeared everywhere in Hillsborough over the last 6 months. Didn't used to see very much of it at all but now it seems like it's everywhere. I spoke to local councillor Josie Pascek about this in the summer at the local councillors' surgery but the response seemed to be about applying for money to paint over the graffiti (then providing volunteer labour and forming a 'constituted community group'), not the need to catch the people doing it. I don't think money to buy paint is the problem, it's stopping it from happening in the first place! I also contacted councillor George Lindars-Hammond who wrote on my behalf to a local shop asking them to paint over the graffiti on their wall very near to my home after they refused to when I asked them. They duly painted it but it was sprayed again within a week :-( We've bought a big tub of paint from B&M and paint over it whenever we see it on the wall near our house. That won't catch the people or stop them doing it again but at least it shows someone gives a damn about their area.

Shop locally and buy direct from Sheffield artists, designers and craftspeople at Exchange Place Studios (old SYPTE building, Exchange Street - between Castlegate and Victoria Quays.) Our popular temporary shop is back in time for Christmas for those of you who are looking for something a bit different. Cards from £1, small gifts from a few pounds, plus beautiful glassware, ceramics, toys and fashion: something to suit all tastes and budgets. Open 11am-5pm Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th December and Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th December. LATE NIGHT OPENING THURSDAY 10TH DEC 5-8PM. 5 mins walk from Fitzalan Square/Ponds Forge tram stop https://www.facebook.com/events/455080791366043/

Nearly two years on since it was saved from dereliction, come and visit Exchange Place Studios (the old SYPTE building on Exchange Street, Castlegate, opposite the Victoria Quays). It is now home to over 50 Sheffield artists, craftspeople and makers including potters, costume makers, illustrators, milliners and printers. This weekend Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November our artists will be opening their studio spaces to the public. There will be artwork, gifts and cards available to buy but you're more than welcome to just come and have a nosey! We also have a 'Pop-Up' cafe serving a range of normal and speciality teas, coffee, lovely home made cakes and light lunches courtesy of Tea With Percie who have a cafe on Abbeydale Road. Open Studios at Exchange Place Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd November 2015 11-5pm Exchange Place Studios, Exchange Street, Castlegate, S2 5TR http://artspace.org.uk/blog/permalink/2015-11/yorkshire-artspace-open-studios-2015

You're absolutely right. Most UK cities are very poor compared to those in much of mainland Europe but Sheffield is definitely lagging far behind and the urban environment is particularly poor in a lot of places. Manchester is currently spending £20milion of Cycle City Ambition funding, Leeds £42million, Sheffield nothing near that as we didn't even apply for the money. Don't get dragged into the usual 'cyclist bashing' but if you'd like to chat about this more then come along to our first 'Cycling in the Pub' event in October. We're going to be holding a series of them discuss things to do with sustainable cities, planning and design for cycling.

There are a lot of heated discussions on here about (amongst other things) cycling! This event TONIGHT as part of Sheffield Design Week should be really interesting and will provide some answers to how these things work in the Netherlands, where cycling is safe, normal and part of life for almost everyone. 6.15pm, Cantor Lecture Theatre, Sheffield Hallam, free entry http://www.sheffielddesignweek.co.uk/event/designing-quality-of-life-into-the-city-why-sheffield-should-go-dutch/

Has anyone else noticed all the graffiti that's appeared around Hillsborough and Wisewood? Seems to have become a real problem within the last month or so and it's looks really ugly and makes the area look uncared for. We've lived here for years and never known it this bad before. Please, if you see some report it using https://www.fixmystreet.com/ and also if you see new graffiti appearing phone 101 and report it.

We ate here yesterday and it was excellent, fresh tasting food, very flavoursome and not overly rich/greasy as curries can sometimes be. Good choice of vegetarian dishes, and staff were very friendly and were happy to explain the different dishes to us. Dosas (like a giant slightly crispy pancake) were great and a nice change from the normal curry house stuff. I'd recommend you give this place a try and local people support it! :-D Would also recommend the Riverside Cafe Bar for a quiet drink first (near the Wednesday ground), though it's only open Thursday-Sat as far as I know and sometimes close if they have a function on. They have an upstairs bit they've made into a pub and it's one of the few places in Hillsborough you can have a quiet relaxed drink without loud music or TVs etc..

I'm not going to feed the trolls but must correct the misconceptions regarding organisation of the Big Ride. Our Big Ride went ahead yesterday. Approx 470 people took part including a large number of families and children. It was a wonderful event and greatly enjoyed. Our thanks to drivers for their patience; the reaction was mainly very positive. The police were informed of the event well in advance and had full knowledge of it. We were very impressed by the support and good humour of officers in the city centre of the day who were there because of the football who had been briefed that our event was happening. The event went ahead safely and the world did not end!

I am not going to be drawn into a 'cyclists versus everyone else' debate, that is not what our campaign is about. The best I can do is write this short summary of what we ARE about for the benefit of those open minded enough to consider that things could be another way if we approach thinking about our urban spaces differently. Space for Cycling is about creating the conditions where ANYONE can cycle through creating an environment where it's easy, pleasant and safe for them to do so. There are 6 key principles which you can read about on our website here. They are based on what has been done in European countries where a lot of people travel by bike as part of normal life, they are not 'cyclists' but cycling is a part of their lives because it is safe, pleasant, easy and normal. That means scenes like this (only possible because walking and cycling have been DESIGNED IN to the urban environment) - Cycling to school - Good facilities which not only make cycling nicer, but walking, or using a mobility scooter better because the streets are more pleasant - Good facilities which anyone can use mean cycling is not a 'hobby' or a special interest for a minority, it can be something open to all kinds of people - It's not just about the Dutch loving bikes. The number and variety of people able to use a bike for transport increases dramatically when the right facilities are built - such as in New York City - Whether you like it or not Sheffield City Council has committed to increase the number of journeys made by bike from the current 0.77% to 15% in just 10 years (by 2025) but that will require dramatic action and we're not moving nearly fast enough. The point I am trying to make is that 'poor cycling' is a symptom of the problem that people who choose to ride bikes currently do so in a hostile environment which means that the young, fit, quick and the brave are over-represented. The ONLY thing that will make a real significant difference to the number of people able to use bikes for everyday journeys is if we create a safe, practical and enjoyable way for them to do so - dedicated cycle paths designed in a way so they are not compromises and do not create conflict with motorists and pedestrians.

We've updated the website so that you can see a statement from supporting candidates. 16 have signed up to support so far.

Our Big Ride is in no way intended to be any kind of gesture of 'open warfare'! You only need to look at the photos from last year's successful ride to see it is a peaceful and happy event. It's not about one group of people versus another, it's about asking our politicians to create the conditions where people can genuinely have the freedom to choose to cycle. All sorts of people - not just fast or sporty people. It's about children being able to walk or cycle to school safely. You can see a map of the route here We organised this same event last year using the same route. The ride is organised and marshalled by Cycle Sheffield and we will (as last year) do our best to keep disruption to a minimum as much as possible with a large ride involving families and children. Most people we encountered last year were very supportive and drivers very patient.

Thanks Red Baron :-) It's all been done entirely by volunteers.

We're asking all candidates standing in the local council elections to support Space for Cycling and make Sheffield a place where riding a bike is safe and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or ability. Email your candidates with our quick and easy online form at www.spaceforcyclingsheffield.co.uk Space for Cycling is Cycle Sheffield's big campaign for 2015. We're calling on all local council election candidates to pledge to support a specific cycle improvement in their area. Space for Cycling means we can all enjoy friendlier neighbourhoods, more freedom for children to be outside, less traffic and cleaner air.

Join us for a safe and fun mass ride around Sheffield on Saturday 25th April and add your voice to the call for Space for Cycling in Sheffield. The ride will be approx 6km in length and Cycle Sheffield volunteer marshals will ensure the group stays together and that the pace is suitable for even the youngest of riders. We want to make Sheffield sit up and take notice, so make a placard, decorate your bike and wear red. Bring your friends and family; everyone is welcome. Saturday 25th April 2015 10.30-11am Assemble in Barkers Pool 11am- start To find out more about Space for Cycling and see photos from last year's event, please see our website at http://www.spaceforcyclingsheffield.co.uk/

Donate it to Emmaus Sheffield or Recycle Bikes http://www.emmaus-sheffield.org.uk/donate http://recyclebikes.co.uk/ Both organised by really nice people, great social enterprises doing brilliant work.