Road closed in Park Hill area of Sheffield to tackle crime

Izzy Bushell

Park Hill, Sheffield

Road barriers have been put in place to close off a street in Sheffield following a campaign by residents to tackle anti-social gatherings on it.

The group, Friends of Skyline in Park Hill, said people do not feel safe in the area at night due to cars being driven dangerously, drug dealing and groups congregating.

South Street has now been shut off by Sheffield City Council for up to 18 months to create a safer environment for pedestrians.

Eventually the campaigners hope that a "pocket park" can be created in the area to discourage crime.

Members of the Friends of Skyline said there had been a significant amount of anti-social behaviour incidents in the area over the past 10 years, including fireworks being set off and drug-dealing.

The campaign group said closing the road and creating less space for cars to park at night would make the area less attractive to those who currently congregate there.

Sheffield City Council said a public consultation on the road closure has been launched and will stay open until 20 October.

The public are invited to comment on the restrictions and a decision will be made on whether to remove, amend or to introduce the restrictions permanently.

Campaigners plan to further improve the area with the creation of a new pocket park, which they say would provide new opportunities for exercise, active travel and leisure.

The group's co-founder, Sam Gregory, said: 'We want the community to co-design it and tell us what they want."

The council added that if the closure was successful and the restrictions were permanently approved, a redesign of the area and funding for a pocket park would be considered.