Labour 'short-change' Sheffield over street cleaning pledge

11.54.51am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 19th Feb 2007

Cllr Mohammed (right) believes Labour have short changed Sheffield on street cleaning

The ruling Labour group on Sheffield City Council have broken a key manifesto promise by dropping the last phase in their strategy which commits extra resources in order to clean up the whole of Sheffield. The move will mean over one third of Sheffield residents will not see additional investment to clean up their local area under the 'Cleaner Sheffield' strategy, which is a key part of Labours 'Cleaner, Greener, Safer' election mantra.

Although some parts of Sheffield have already received extra cash to clean streets, remove graffiti and maintain green space some areas will miss out altogether. The neighbourhoods that will miss out include those within the North, South and South West Area Panels, such as Ecclesfield, Stannington, Woodseats, Gleadless Valley and Low Edges.

Last year Labour reduced the funding for the penultimate phase of the programme in the South East of the City due to budget pressures. However, this year they have dropped funding for the fourth and final phase altogether.

Local Liberal Democrats are protesting at the move. They have highlighted that Labours decision not to fully fund the programme will mean over a third (33.5%) of Sheffield residents will be short-changed and will not see extra investment for cleaning in their community as promised.

Cllr Shaffaq Mohammed, Shadow Cabinet member for Streetscene, said: -

"By breaking this key manifesto pledge Labour have short-changed Sheffield. Over one third of residents will not see the extra investment in cleaning up their local neighbourhood that was promised and has already been delivered in other areas of the city"

"Communities from the North, West and South in much need of extra investment for improving their local environment have been badly letdown by Labour. This is unacceptable as these local residents pay their council tax like everyone else and are entitled to fair and decent services"

Areas highlighted in blue will miss out - over one third of local residents

"The decision by Labour to break their promise is unforgivable and it will leave those affected angry and frustrated. Its clear that the next time Labour make an election promise local people need to ask themselves, can we trust Labour?"

Notes: -

In March 2006 the then head of Streetscene Cllr Harpham said: -

"There has been a significant improvement in the cleanliness of the city's streets and open spaces over the last three years due to this additional investment. It is intended to roll-out the (Cleaner Sheffield) programme to all parts of the city to improve the environment for all residents"

<http://sccplugins.sheffield.gov.uk/press/news/aRelease.asp?akey=3460&Mon=01/03/2006>;

See extract from the March 2006 Cleaner Sheffield council report: -

"Based upon the above proposals an additional £0.5 million is required in 2006/07 with further investment in 2007/08 subject to the Review in autumn 2006 to fulfil the commitment to achieve a city-wide standard within 3-5 years, recommended by Members in the Cleaner Sheffield: A Strategy to Improve Standards of Cleanliness in Streets & Open Spaces at Cabinet in August 2003"

<http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/council-meetings/cabinet/agendas-2006/agenda-22nd-march/cleaner-sheffield-strategy>