National media descended on Page Hall following a controversial BBC Radio Sheffield interview with MP David Blunkett on 11th November.
The next day the Daily Telegraph ran the headline, “Roma migrants could cause riots in cities, warns Blunkett”. A string of negative stories followed in the Daily Express, Daily Mail and Daily Star, making the front page on several days.
During the height of the media frenzy, photographers with long lenses could be seen waiting in the street for something to happen, while residents complained of being continually stopped by journalists asking for comments.
In the weeks before the interview, Radio Sheffield had been highlighting some residents’ concerns about litter, noise and groups of people socialising on the street.
David Blunkett told the Messenger,
“My interviews with BBC Radio Sheffield were entirely designed to ensure that we calmed rather than exacerbated existing tensions. I decided to do a walkabout in the area to demonstrate everything was peaceful and calm, and to explain to the journalist that people were working together for a long term solution.”
The media picked up on Blunkett saying there would be an ‘explosion’ unless things changed in Page Hall. The interview also covered the positive work taking place in the area and the need for government to provide funding. The Government and the Council have cut funding which previously helped the area with environmental housing, family advocacy and community cohesion workers, safer neighbourhoods officers and children’s centre services.
Work continues locally to support new residents, activities are being provided and developed for young people and construction of the new school is underway.
The media attention disrupted community activities, as well as increasing anger and tension between residents. The media’s focus has now shifted elsewhere, leaving residents and local organisations to pick up the pieces.