In September 2022 Labour Councillors in Crookes and Crosspool and Walkley wards called on the Council’s senior transport and infrastructure officers to pause physical implementation of the Active Neighbourhood trial to allow space for meaningful communication with the public.

An update has now been published, along with a forward plan, and more explanation of the rationale behind the scheme and the measures within it. A letter has also been posted to residents.

Cllr Ruth Milsom said, ‘There has been a huge amount of frustration and confusion surrounding the Crookes/Walkley Active Neighbourhood trial. I’m extremely pleased that the Transport Planning team listened to us and recognised the need for clarity and communication as the scheme goes forward.’

A new online feedback form has been added to the Connecting Sheffield update page. ‘I would encourage people to make full use of this as part of the continuing consultation on the trial,’ said Ruth; ‘we really do want everyone to have their say, whether they like the scheme or not.’

The remaining parts of the trial (with some changes) will be implemented by the end of November. The trial period will be extended through to March and final decisions will be made next summer. On the website there are updated maps and a table showing the dates when work will take place to complete the implementation of the trial. The website now also includes a document explaining where and why some changes to the trial have been made.

Labour Councillors have been clear that they have never tried to stop the trial or prevent measures being introduced. Cllr Minesh Parekh said, ‘We all want to see quieter, safer streets that aren’t used as cut throughs, and with pavements that aren’t chock-a-block with cars on them. For a low-traffic neighbourhood to work, in Crookes and Walkley or anywhere in the country, it needs to be done with residents, not done to them. It’s for this reason Ruth and I pushed to hold in-person public consultation sessions with transport officers shortly after I was elected, and why I’m pleased residents are now receiving more clarity about implementation for the future of the scheme.’

Ruth and Minesh say they have been working hard behind the scenes to improve the Westways ‘School Street’ measures, as well as pushing for a solution to double parking and road safety issues on School Road. ‘Our low-traffic neighbourhood needs to be a living, breathing scheme if it’s to succeed,’ said Minesh. ‘It’s great that additional measures—including proposed double yellow lines along School Road—are now also being consulted on, as these will deter double-parking, make our streets more accessible, and I hope help support the trial to be a success.’

They also want to see more benefits for cyclists and people wanting to take up cycling. Ruth commented, ‘Minesh and I have been working pro-actively with representatives of the cycling community, looking at what appetite there might be for secure on-street cycle storage, and mapping out suitable locations for additional cycle parking.’

Active Neighbourhood Trial feedback form (scroll to the bottom)

School Road double yellow lines Traffic Regulation Order: consultation open until 10 November 2022; see diagram pictured below. Email all comments to [email protected]

Minesh and Ruth can be contacted via email: [email protected] / [email protected]