November 2004 Issue 46

The final draft of the Burngreave and Fir Vale Masterplan has been published. If agreed, it will set the framework for the transformation of Burngreave.

Rob Smith went to speak to a resident whose house looks out over Osgathorpe Park. Wishing to remain anonymous, the resident raised concerns about a gang of teenage boys and the continuing incidents of stolen vehicles being driven in the park.

From 1st November 2004 a six-month Dispersal Order will be in place in Fir Vale. This includes Wensley Estate, Osgathorpe Park, and Page Hall.

Tensions between residents and young people in Abbeyfield Park have been causing concern. The young people say they are frustrated that despite all the money in the area there’s still nothing for them to do in the Park, and that they get seen in a bad light. However, residents have still felt intimidated and upset by their behaviour and feel let down by the police.

The Messenger is worried dispersal orders and curfews are last resorts that risk further confrontation and criminalisation of Burngreave’s young people. Unless the long-term work is done to give them something better to do, a crack down won’t solve the problem.

On 28th September 2004 the Cactus Club management were granted planning permission for their building on Earsham Street, and are now working with building regulators, to bring the premises up to health and safety standards.

Black Women’s Resource Centre have had another successful year and are inviting people to an open to day to celebrate the achievements of the children using the centre.

Grimesthorpe Allotments has again been disturbed by vandals and thieves. The the New Deal funded community room, a metal portakabin with kitchen facilities and toilets, was broken into and most of the kitchen facilities were taken.

The Council have been consulting residents at different locations and meetings including the Fir Vale Forum, Burngreave Community Action Forum and the Area Panel meeting. Information will continue to be available at the New Deal information Shop on Spital Hill until 12th November. The Messenger has been to find out what people are saying around Burngreave…

Last month Verdon Street Rec hosted a wealth pictures, stories and displays about the area’s history to celebrate the launch of Burngreave Voices: Our Stories Celebrated, a project aiming to gather together some of the untold stories of residents’ lives and histories.

Burngreave businesses have been getting stuck into the nitty gritty of building success in the area through the continuing development of the Business Forum.

• Earl Marshal’s start to the season has been disappointing, but they put all that behind them in the cup trophy.

• Burngreave Saints are proud to have our first female squad member – Sheridan Betts, who plays for the under 7s.

• BSN is developing a Burngreave boys 14–16 soccer squad.

• The Burngreave Sports Project area is running a football Level 1 coaching award for local budding coaches.

Results and fixtures for September to December 2004.

November 2004 news from the Burngreave Sports Network, including an appeal for committee members and news of upcoming events.

Daniel Jackson and Tanya Bailey have just started working for the Burngreave Sports Project to work with children and teenagers from Burngreave, organising and running activities and trips.

Barry’s Café, alongside BCAT, Listen To Us and others, are making moves to establish an African and Caribbean Association resource centre.

In October 2004, Sheffield’s Lord and Lady Mayor joined Burngreave Ramblers to launch the Burngreave Round Walk booklet.

Many have noticed little buses around the area with ‘BurngreaveLink’ along the side. They have also noticed that not many people are on them. Why is this?

We’ve started a ‘fruitful’ partnership at Firs Hill Community Primary School with the Community Forestry Team, GreenWatch Rangers and Green City Action, all helping us with environmental activities for Family Learning Week.

For people who don’t know St Catherine’s, this vibrant community Catholic school hosts learning for children and adults with heritage in more than 30 different countries. During Family Learning Week (11–17 October) families proudly brought in special items such as photographs, certificates, family trees, food and clothes.

Inspired by the theme ‘Celebrating Our Roots’, St Catherine’s student Jessica Greenhough came second in the 9–12 year group of Seventh Annual Poetry Competition to celebrate National Poetry Day.

Working Group Meeting Dates and Health Group information.

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums are now established all over England. They play a vital role in making sure patients’ and the public’s views are heard and acted upon by all those making decisions about health.

The Home Owners Maintenance and Advice Scheme has been running DIY classes for owners taking part in the scheme. The New Deal funded project aims to help and encourage owners to identify and carry out external repairs to their home.

It’s been a rewarding time all round recently for BNDfC. Here, we take a look at some of the things that are helping to put New Deal and the Burngreave community on the map…

November 2004 news from the Area Panel.

Letters from residents and readers of the Burngreave Messenger.