Woods campaigner tired of being ignored

Story: Kate Atkinson

Peter Mappin has lived next to Little Roe Wood for 20 years. “Originally it was a lovely place, but in all my time here I’ve never seen such a state,” he told me.

The 56-year-old has been battling with Sheffield City Council to get them to clear up the site for years but has seen barely any results.

Peter told me he is concerned about the damage that fly-tipping, prostitution and the council’s neglect of the woods are causing to the environment.

“The wildlife is prolific, there are foxes, hedgehogs, badgers, all imaginable kinds of birds, apple and pear trees.”

Peter has made endless phone calls, taken pictures of the rubbish and shown them to the council, and written letters but to no avail.

“I reported two sheets of asbestos that had been dumped once. It took me eleven phone calls and then it still took three weeks to be removed. Yet they closed St Catherine’s School when they found asbestos. But what do the kids do when they’re off school? Go and play in the woods near the asbestos sheets!”

He received a letter from Cllr Steve Jones, the Council Deputy Leader, which stated they were trying to obtain funding and get information about ownership of the land before any action could be taken. But Mr Mappin said: “I don’t believe it. They’re trying to pacify me.”

Peter told me about the attitude the council seem to have towards him.

“They couldn’t care less. If we were in Totley they’d sort it out. But they think this is a derelict area.”

From talking to Peter I think if it is a derelict area then it has only become so through the council neglecting it for so many years.

“Whenever I ring I can’t get through to the right department.They think ‘Oh it’s him again – put him through to anyone.’They’ve put me through to all kinds of places – Social Services and even the people who do the street signs! And each time you have to explain all over again only for them to put you through to someone else.”

He suggested that they put a gate on the entrance to the woods to stop fly-tippers and prostitutes entering and polluting the environment. He spoke to a council offical who according to Mr Mappin: “Was more concerned about costs”. To which Peter’s answer is: "what’s it costing the environment?”

He told me how the area used to be known as ‘Seven Ponds’, with families of ducks and other pond life. “It was a popular spot, I used to hear children’s laughter ringing round the woods.” The Council dredged the last remaining pond, but broke its basin – now it doesn’t hold water, and they logged trees leaving the branches to rot and fall into the shallow pool. Now all that remains is a muddy swamp, the paths are overgrown and the woods are almost deserted.

I asked why the woods are so important to Peter.

“It’s important to me if something is wrong – anywhere, even out in the countryside. I was brought up to respect wildlife and not harm anything unless it harms you. I get on better with wildlife than with people!”

It is no wonder when he is treated as he has been by the people at the Council and those who contribute to ruining the woods.

“If there are ten people who complain and get no response, how many of them will think ‘well if the council’s not bothered, why should I bother?’ I’ve thought ‘why bother?’ but no-one else will get involved.”

It seems no matter how many reasonable suggestions Mr Mappin makes, the council do not seem to want to help, either it takes too much effort or too much money. The apathy of those who dump and mistreat the area and the council is ruining Little Roe Wood and the experience of those that live near it.

Some might mistake Mr Mappin for someone who likes to complain. However, he is simply a concerned resident who cares about the environment he and his neighbours live in. But the constant battling is wearing him out.

“It’s hard work. But I’ll carry on – all I can do is my best.”

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