South West LAC: you said, we did

The South West LAC Community Plan is based on the feedback we receive from residents on what’s important to them.

There are 3 main themes to the plan:

• local environment
• transport and highways
• community and neighbourhoods

Within each theme we have a list of priorities that we work towards.

We have delivered consultation through surveys with residents to ask for feedback on the matters that are important in the community.

We speak to residents, community groups and business daily and hold engagement sessions in our public meetings. 

The feedback we receive shapes the work plan of the team and the community plan. It’s really important we listen, so please contact us with any ideas, suggestions or to discuss and issues you see in the community.

Local environment

A greener, cleaner and safer community

Welcome to the Local Environment theme! Together, we’re working to create a greener, cleaner and safer place for everyone to enjoy. Small changes can make a big difference in improving our neighbourhoods.

Our priorities

We have multiple priorities:

• working together to achieve clean and attractive neighbourhoods
• recycling and going green
• supporting local environmental efforts
• boosting biodiversity and protecting wildlife

Addressing dog fouling

Dog fouling is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a health concern. 

Residents have highlighted this as a priority, and we’ve responded with awareness campaigns in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy. We have installed banners and signs in areas with recurring issues, and the feedback has been positive. 

These efforts are helping to keep our streets cleaner, and we’ll continue to support this important work.

Recycling and eco initiatives

Recycling ranked as a top priority in our community survey, and we’re making it easier and more accessible. 

Earlier this year, we partnered with Ignite Imaginations to host school workshops where students turned recyclables into creative artwork. It’s just one way we’re encouraging sustainable practices.

In November, we also held a public meeting that brought together representatives from:

• Waste Management
• Parks and Countryside
• Sheffield Litter Pickers
• Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust

The session provided valuable insights and ideas on how we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener community.

Public meetings

At the South West LAC public meeting in November last year, we held a Q and A style session around the local environment. 

To deliver the session, we were joined by:

• Waste Management
• Parks and Countryside
• Sheffield Litter Pickers
• Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust

Local environment groups grant funding

We have provided grants to local groups working on environmental projects. 

These funds help to:

• enhance neighbourhoods
• promote green initiatives
• foster community pride 

If you’re part of a group with a project in mind, we encourage you to apply for support.

Transport and highways 

Improving safety and accessibility on our roads.

The Transport and Highways theme focuses on addressing concerns around:

• speeding
• road safety
• parking
• promoting alternative ways to travel that support healthier lifestyles

Vehicle Activated Signs

Each ward now has a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS), which is rotated around speeding hotspots every 6 to 7 weeks. 

Data from these rotations is carefully analysed and shared with Members to inform decisions on further interventions, such as mobile police speed enforcement.

With data now available from both the VAS rotations and Community Speed Watch efforts, the 2 systems can be aligned. This allows us to target high priority areas more effectively by placing VAS on roads monitored by CSW volunteers and vice versa. 

Pedestrian enhancement schemes

Over the past year, we’ve partnered with Highways to implement several schemes aimed at improving pedestrian safety and comfort across the four wards. 

Funded projects include the installation of bollards to protect tactile paving on Fulwood Road opposite St Marie’s School, new pedestrian crossing signage with ‘Slow’ road markings on Archer Road and visibility improvements at the Northfield Road crossing. 

Other enhancements include aligning tactile paving with existing dropped kerbs at Tesco Fulwood Road and placing 'Think Before You Park' bollards outside schools to encourage responsible parking. 

Community and neighbourhoods 

Supporting our community through loneliness, isolation and the cost of living.

The Community and Neighbourhoods theme is about delivering projects that enable community connection and activities. It addresses 2 major concerns in our area:

• loneliness and isolation
• the challenges posed by the cost of living crisis

Feedback from the South West LAC survey shows that residents want more events and activities, especially for older generations. There’s also a clear need to support those struggling with rising costs to ensure they can access local amenities and join in with community activities.

Thanks to the South West LAC grants, we’ve been able to help funding activities taking place in our fantastic voluntary spaces like, Welcome Spaces, which offer vital support to those in need. These initiatives provide a place to connect, stay warm and access helpful resources and support.

Supporting local businesses

Our community values the importance of supporting local businesses. The South West LAC survey showed strong support for initiatives that promote local independent shops and services.

Silver Hill street scene

We’ve made improvements to the Silver Hill street scene with new: 

• benches
• banners
• binsplanters

This was funded through Community Plan Ward Funds for Ecclesall.

Crosspool

We have facilitated a floral display at Crosspool to brighten the area and support community pride.

We’re setting up local business events to help support our local business community, we aim to strengthen network and sense of community in the area. 

Increasing youth provision

In partnership with the Youth Service, we’re working to provide more opportunities for young people. By supporting youth outreach and involving them in decision-making, we aim to ensure their voices are heard.

Recent projects include:

• establishing a Youth Club at Wesley Hall
• running detached youth work at Green Oak Park, Spider Park and Endcliffe Park
• delivering successful activity programmes with partners like Sheffield Rotherham Wildlife Trust and Friends of Whirlow Brook Park, which included willow weaving and landscape upkeep

Workshops have also been delivered in schools across the area to give young people a platform to share their ideas and get involved.