The Mercury Issue 1539

The Region’s Number One Entertainment & Classifieds Newspaper

Sheffield reSidentS can now earn voucherS from exerciSe

A free app which allows you to turn your steps, cycle rides, bus trips and more into shopping vouchers or donations to local charities has just launched in Sheffield.

The Better Points Sheffield scheme aims to encourage residents across the city to choose active travel to get around wherever and whenever possible. The initiative has already been trialled by the University of Sheffield, with 27% of their staff now choosing to walk or cycle to work, and is now being rolled out across the rest of the city this month.

Cllr Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee, said: “We’re so pleased to be rolling out the BetterPoints app across Sheffield, following the success the University of Sheffield has seen so far. We want to offer people in Sheffield a genuine choice about how they travel around the city and it is fantastic to be able to give people even more incentives to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible. An increase in active travel journeys will improve our air quality in the city,

reduce levels of congestion and support everyone’s wellbeing. This is also a brilliant opportunity to support some of the fantastic businesses and charities across the city.”

BetterPoints Sheffield manager Jack Windle, said: “We know people who walk, cycle or take public transport to work are happier and healthier, but what we also know is that those people pass and visit local shops, cafes and other businesses to spend their money locally.

BetterPoints Sheffield will reward people for making healthier journeys – and

those rewards can be spent at local businesses or donated to fantastic local causes like The Children’s Hospital Charity.”

In the four years the scheme has been running at the University of Sheffield, over 2.5 million sustainable trips have been recorded, with 3,500 vouchers redeemed at university catering outlets in the last year. The scheme has replaced almost three quarters of a million car trips by journeys on foot, on bikes or by public transport.

BetterPoints Sheffield aims to scale this success up

across the city. It is free to join for everyone who lives, works or studies in Sheffield and is supported by the University, the local NHS trusts and Sheffield City Council.

To join in, download the free BetterPoints app and use it to record journeys made on foot, by bike, in a wheelchair, or by bus, tram or train.

Everyone who signs up before Monday 30 October can pick their preferred prize draw for the chance to win a £100 Sheffield City Centre Gift Card or a £2,000 electric bike. For more information and to download the app, visit sheffield.betterpoints.uk

Decorative Surface Dressing Systems

south yorkshire residents warned to be alert of telephone fraudsters

South Yorkshire Police's Fraud Protect Officer has issued a warning to local residents about criminals posing as officials from banks and other police forces in an attempt to steal money or your identity. Several people in South Yorkshire received calls from individuals purporting to be from the victim’s bank or claiming to be from another police force. The individuals claim there has been fraudulent activity on the account or ask victims if their bank cards have been stolen and then ask that they move their money to unknown bank accounts to keep their money safe.

Andy Foster, Fraud Protect Officer, said: "Posing as an official from a reputable company is a common tactic used by fraudsters, and they can be very convincing. We are aware of a number of reports from across the country of people who have fallen victim to these types of fraud.

“People should never part with money or reveal personal information following an unsolicited telephone call. If you suspect the person on the other end of the line isn't who they say they are, end the call, if possible, ring the company or organisation on a known number using a different phone such as your mobile. Remember that genuine banks, police, and other officials will never ask you to

reveal personal information or transfer money over the phone.

“I encourage the public to be alert to these telephone fraudsters and spread the word to ensure their friends and loved ones, particularly elderly and vulnerable people, know to spot the signs. Stopping others from potentially falling victim can save people both financial loss and the hurt of being tricked by those willing to take advantage of others.”

Staying safe

It's not always easy to spot a fraudulent call. For example, fraudsters can spoof phone numbers, so it appears that you are genuinely being called by your bank or a government department. Additionally, they may already have some of your information from a previous data breach, which might make you think the call is genuine.

Find fraud prevention advice on our dedicated webpage: www.southyorks.police.uk/ find-out/crime-preventionadvice/fraud

If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank, hang up and dial 159. You will be put through to your bank's genuine customer service line. Most major banks are part of this scheme. Major telephone providers also offer free call blocking services, contact your provider for more details.

If you receive a spam call on your iPhone, you can report it to your provider by texting ‘call’ followed by the caller’s phone number to 7726. If you have an Android phone, text ‘call’ to 7726 and you will be asked to input the caller phone number. For scam calls received on WhatsApp, open the WhatsApp chat with the suspicious phone number and tap 'block.' You can report the contact by tapping 'report contact' and 'block'.

If you think you have been a victim of a fraud, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or go online to www.actionfraud.police.uk

sheffielD o2 AcADemy closeD temporArily over rAAc feArs

One of Sheffield’s largest music venues has shut over concerns about reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) the BBC has reported.

The O2 Academy has closed temporarily “as a precautionary measure while detailed surveys are carried out,” a spokesperson said.

A two-day punk festival which was due to take place at the

venue last weekend was cancelled.

Raac is a lightweight building material which has been linked to the risk of collapse.

The concrete was used between the 1950s and 1990s, mostly in flat roofing but also in floors and walls.

In August, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said Raac had passed its lifespan

and may “collapse with little or no notice”.

A spokesperson for O2 Academy Sheffield said the venue had closed “further to recent guidance relating to Raac”.

They added: “The safety of our employees, performers and visitors is of paramount importance, and this cautionary approach is being taken by many other live entertainment buildings and theatres across the country.

“We sincerely apologise for the disappointment this temporary closure will cause. We will share further updates as soon as we are able.”

HRH Punk festival, headlined by the band Cockney Rebels, had been due to take place at the venue on Saturday and Sunday. Organisers announced on Friday it had been cancelled at “late notice”.

Buildings across the country have been checked for the presence of Raac since the HSE’s warning last month.

To sponsor our weekly Time Out page call our Sales Team on 0114 276 3633

SHEFFIELD’S ‘MAN WITH THE GOLDEN VOICE’ RETURNS TO THE CITY HALL

Paul carrack known to many as ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’, returns to the road in the autumn of 2023, playing 10 dates across the UK including a unique performance at the royal albert hall, London featuring very special guests. The legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics has an impressive back-catalogue of hits to his name; including “How Long”,

“Tempted” and “The Living Years”. Paul’s uniquely soulful voice is a must for his millions of fans around the world.

Some of the biggest names in music including The Eagles, Diana Ross and Tom Jones have performed his amazing songs and he is constantly in demand as a session keyboardist, having recorded and toured with Elton John, Van Morrison, Roger Waters and BB King, and most recently with Eric Clapton. Paul is undoubtedly

a key figure in British pop history, an all-rounded musical talent. Moreover, as his devoted fans know all too well, a Paul Carrack show is truly something very special.

Paul Carrack

Sheffield City Hall Sat 21st October

Tickets available from the city Hall Box Office and online via www. sheffieldcityhall. co.uk

Crossword Clues

I’ve started a boating business from my attic. The sails are going through the roof.

I told my daughter, “Go to bed, the cows are sleeping in the field.” She said, “What’s that got to do with anything?”

I said “That means it’s pasture bedtime.”

The worst pub I’ve ever been in was called The Fiddle. It was a vile inn.

Trying to play the new official Rick Astley boardgame. But the instructions just say ‘You know the rules, and so do I”

If anyone is alone this Christmas and has nobody to spend it with, please let me know.. I really need to borrow some chairs.

2 years ago my doctor told me I’d go deaf I haven’t heard from him since.

Why do bees have sticky hair?

Because they use honey combs.

I became a professional fisherman...

But discovered that I couldn’t live on my net income. My sister just delivered a baby...

I knew she had it in her.

My high school bully still takes my lunch money. But on the upside, he makes great Subway sandwiches!

I asked the surgeon if I could administer my own anaesthetic. He said: “Sure, knock yourself out!”

I’ve recently discovered I’m terrified of elevators, so I’m taking steps to avoid them.

I was a little afraid of speed bumps too, but I’m slowly getting over them!

1. In what part of the body would you find the fibula?

Last Week’s Solution across: 7) Dice, 8) New broom, 9) Won, 10) Stun, 11) Mass, 13) Lavish, 14) Escape, 15) Lament, 18) Marrow, 20) Pass, 21) Emmy, 22) Ado, 24) Shoulder, 25) Lean DoWN: 1) Mimosa, 2) Hew, 3) Snatch, 4) Twinge, 5) Trump card, 6) Gossip, 12) Side issue, 16) Apache, 17) Trendy, 18) Memory, 19) Old hat, 23) Sly

4/10/1883 - First run of the Orient Express.

5/10/1955 - Disneyland Hotel opens to the public in Anaheim, California.

6/10/1979 - Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit the White House.

7/10/1982 - Cats opens on Broadway and runs for nearly 18 years before closing on September 10, 2000.

8/10/1860 - Telegraph line between Los Angeles and San Francisco opens.

9/10/1959 - A day after being captured, Marxist revolutionary “Che” Guevara is executed for attempting

2. Hamilton has become one of the biggest musical theatre shows of all time since it debuted in 2015, but what is the name of the acclaimed star who wrote it?

3. If you have cryophobia, what are you afraid of?

4. Who won the Best Actress Award at the most recent Oscars?

5. How many of Henry VIII’s wives were called Catherine?

6. According to ONS, what was the most popular boy’s name in the UK in 2018?

7. Ray Davies was the frontman on which iconic ’60s band?

8. Which popular video game franchise has released games with the subtitles World At War and Black Ops?

9. In what US State is the city Nashville?

10. Which rock band was founded by Trent Reznor in 1988?

lOCal pUbs dElIvER TRUE valUE

Government must give pubs which serve as the beating hearts of their communities greater support with tax rebates to safeguard the nation’s locals as vital social lifelines, a report from the think-tank Localis has urged today.

In a report issued today

Localis also argued that a minister for pubs role be reinstated to join up help for the country’s pubs sector – which cumulatively supports 936,000 jobs, generates £28bn in GVA to the economy and delivers £15bn in tax revenues to the Exchequer annually. According to polling undertaken by YouGov f75 percent of people felt the impact of pubs to community life to be positive. When asked if pubs are important in bringing people together, more than four-in-five of British adults agreed they are, with just 14 percent feeling that they are not.

Polling carried out for the report showed 68 percent of British adults felt that pubs help combat loneliness in their local area. Among pro-community activities supported by local pubs, nearly half of people were aware of pub events that bring the community together, a quarter knew of local pubs that supported charitable causes and 17 percent knew of local pubs that supported vulnerable people in their area.

The research identified from case studies taken pubs across the country some dominant themes on how the sector supports local people and communities, namely by:

• combatting isolation supporting local causes

• reflecting local culture

• bringing local business together

CALL

• supporting community through generations.

Pollsters also found that among social uses of pubs in the last three months, more than half of the population had met a friend in one, while nearly two-in-five of people had visited the pub to meet up with family, a quarter had enjoyed Sunday lunch in one and 10% of the public had attended a pub-held birthday party in that timespan. In addition, six percent of the public had used pubs for dating purposes and 13% watched a sporting event. A key recommendation of the report calls for the re-establishment of a Minister for Pubs post to co-ordinate a crossgovernment taskforce responsible for long-term strategy for the British pubs sector and to lead on help with tax and regulation, alongside an emergency fund for energy bill support. The report authors also make the case for business rates rebates for those pubs which take on socially valuable roles such as foodbanks or in providing warm spaces for vulnerable people, with a call for a modest £4m cashpot to help 1,000 pubs to diversify at a cost of a mere £4,000 per pub. Localis head of research, Joe Fyans, said:

“Across Britain, pubs have consistently played a pivotal role in knitting communities together and promoting social cohesion. Pubs are the beating heart of many communities, playing multifaceted roles in local daily life. This is why the decline of pubs is cause for great concern. With each closure, both tangible and intangible voids are left behind. The lessons are clear:

fIRsT sHEffIEld CaRERs’ ROadsHOw

pubs, in all their forms and across all locations, remain integral to British social cohesion as hubs of activity, community, and social capital. This makes their presence all the more crucial as community safety nets and beacons of light, offering a lifeline hope for many people looking for a real sense of local belonging.”

Emma McClarkin of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: ““The stories highlighted in this report truly are just a snapshot of the hugely positive impact pubs have in communities across the country every single day. There are few businesses that can say they add both social and economic value and pubs are delivering that value in neighbourhoods from Lanarkshire to Liskeard, and everywhere in between. Pubs provide solace to people in tough times and a place to celebrate in others and to lose them would have a serious impact on people’s lives. With closures continuing to rise and pubs under threat from further duty and business rates cost hikes we hope the Government will seriously consider the proposals put forward by this report so the foundations can be laid to help pubs continue to do this brilliant work in their communities long into the future.”

Pub is The Hub chief executive, John Longden, said: “Pubs and publicans are the heroes at the heart of community life that provide essential local services and activities that create social value. They are a lifeline for many rural areas providing vital local services and activities such as village stores, allotments and community cafes as well as offering a safe space to tackle the major societal issue of loneliness. Pub is The Hub now estimates 1,000 more pubs and local areas could benefit from services if they can be directly supported in the future to diversify.”

Sheffield is set to see its first Carers Roadshow next week (Thursday 5 October) as over 30 local organisations that support unpaid carers in Sheffield all come together for the day. The Roadshow has been organised by Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Carers Centre, Sheffield Young Carers, and NHS South Yorkshire and is also supported by NHS England, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHSFT and Sheffield Health and Social Care NHSFT, as well as two national Carers charities Carers UK and Carers Trust. The vision is for Sheffield to be a city where Carers are valued and have the right support to continue to care for as long as they want to with a common aim to put the carer at the heart of everything. There are over 60,000 unpaid carers in Sheffield with only approximately 10,000 having contact with the Sheffield Carers Centre, Sheffield Young Carers and Sheffield Parent Carer Forum so awareness needs to be raised and carers encouraged to reach out.

Ian Atkinson, Deputy Place Director from NHS South Yorkshire (Sheffield) said: “We’re very excited to be working with so many local organisations to launch the first ever Sheffield Carers Roadshow. It will help raise awareness of the tremendous contribution that thousands of unpaid carers in the city make to our local communities. Becoming a carer can be a gradual process with some people not recognising the changing nature of their relationship with the person they support and therefore not always identifying themselves as ‘a carer’. They may be supporting a family member or good friend who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction who cannot cope without help to complete day to day routines. Sometimes Carers need to reach out for help and support to make both their own and

their cared for lives easier.

It is essential we look after our Carers to maintain their own health and wellbeing.”

At the Roadshow carers will be able to access a wide range of information and to consider what matters to them and those they care for. They will also be encouraged to have a ‘voice’ to help plan future services. The Carers Centre has already received this comment: “I’ve been caring for my loved one for years, and it can be quite challenging. The Sheffield Carers Roadshow is something I’m really looking forward to. It’s not just an event; it’s a chance for us carers to connect, share experiences, and learn from experts. I’m excited to gain insights, get support, and be part of a community that understands what we go through every day. The Roadshow promises to be an invaluable experience, and I can’t wait to be there!” The support agencies attending will be encouraged to work together and become familiar with each other, strengthening essential networks and looking at what is working well and any improvements for the future.

This event takes place at the Sheffield Winter Garden and the Mercure St Paul’s Hotel in Sheffield city centre from 10.30am to 5:00pm on Thursday

5 October. It will be formally opened by local dignitaries representing the partnership, a local adult carer and young carer, and attendees will be joined by the Lord Mayor and John Burkhill known in Sheffield as ‘the man with the pram’.

Full details are available on the Sheffield Carers Centre website (www. sheffieldcarers.org.uk).

This includes information about more than 20 mini presentations being available on the day, Care for a Cuppa sessions hosted by Carers UK, plus a list of all the organisations having stalls and taking part.

All Sheffield Carers are invited to attend the event. If you unable to make the event, you can follow the Sheffield Carers Centre website for information on how to access the organisations at a more appropriate time.

Sheffield Carers Centre is a local independent charity founded in 1994, that is also affiliated to the national Carers Trust charity. We provide a range of high-quality services to unpaid adult carers in Sheffield; and are committed to raising the profile of caring and making a difference to carers’ lives.

ROspa URGEs pROTECTION

Families in Sheffield are being urged by the Royal Society for the Prevention Accidents (RoSPA) to take action to protect their children from the risks of household cleaning products.

The latest phase of the Take Action Today, Put Them Away campaign, was launched on 26th September 2023. This follows the scheme’s success in over 90 areas of the UK where 500,000 families have been helped to prevent poisoning and eye injuries. In Sheffield, accidental poisonings accounted for 30 emergency admissions for 0 – 4 year olds between 2018/19- 2020/21. As part of the campaign, a handy magnetic notepad featuring key safety advice will be handed out to thousands of families by health visitors and children’s centre staff.

Ashley Martin, RoSPA’s public health adviser, said: “The notepad acts as a constant reminder in family kitchens to store cleaning products out of reach, out of sight and in a locked cupboard. Due to their inquisitive nature, children under the age of five are most at risk of accidentally swallowing or getting household cleaning products, like liquid laundry capsules, into their eyes. Even products with a child-

resistant closure cannot guarantee safety - they only reduce the risk by delaying access to the product.” Rachel Parker, Health Visitor said: “Young children are very curious, and once they are moving around on their own there are many things in your home that can be a risk. Cleaning products are one of the often overlooked things and where and how they are stored is very important. To a child, detergent gel or liquid capsules can look like sweets or toys. If they swallow, bite, or even pop a capsule in their hand they are at risk of poisoning or serious burns to their skin, eyes and throat. If this occurs, please seek urgent medical attention. ”

Take action today, put them away advice to parents includes:

• Store household cleaning products out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard

• Always store chemicals in their original containers

• Never pierce or break laundry capsules or tablets

• Always close the lid of any product

• In the event of an incident, follow advice on the product pack and seek medical attention. Further information on the Take Action Today campaign can be found at www.rospa.com

england men’s under 20s coming to doncaster

The Young Lions face Italy at Doncaster Rovers on Thursday 16th November

The Eco-Power Stadium will play host to the next generation of international stars in November as England U20 face their Italian counterparts in the Euro Elite League.

The young Lions will be in Doncaster on Thursday 16th November in a 7pm kick-off.

Former Doncaster Rovers loanee Ben Nelson was part of a recent training camp for the U20 at St James’ Park and could make his return to DN4 while Newcastle United’s summer signing Lewis Hall and Liverpool’s latest breakthrough star Jarell Quansah were also part of the group. Former Chelsea and Everton

assistant manager Joe Edwards will lead the U20 group for the remainder of 2023, including the double header which sees England face Portugal in Milton Keynes prior to their visit to the Eco-Power Stadium.

Tickets for the game are now on sales and are priced as follows: adults £5, seniors £3, 14-24 £3, 13 and under £1. Details about car parking and hospitality for this fixture will be released by Doncaster Rovers in due course.

To purchase your tickets for the game visit tickets.clubdoncaster. co.uk/en-GB/categories/ rovershome. Alternatively, visit

the Club Doncaster Box Office at the Eco-Power Stadium or call (01302) 762576. England Football Accredited Clubs can also apply for up to x15 complimentary tickets by getting in touch with Sheffield & Hallamshire FA.

LiVe eVentS at the ParaMount

LiVe eVentS at the ParaMount

FRIDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2023

SHOW STARTS 7:30PM • TICKETS £23

Genesis Connected is a tribute show celebrating the music of Genesis and the biggest selling acts connected: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Mike & the Mechanics. This show has an incredible mix of material, from atmospheric anthems to chart toppers that will get the crowd dancing in the aisles. Hits spanning from the late 70s onwards including; Turn It On Again, Sledgehammer, In The Air Tonight, Over My Shoulder, Against All Odds, That’s All, Solsbury Hill, You Can’t Hurry Love, The Living Years and many more. The frontman, Pete Bultitude, is not only an incredibly versatile vocalist, he is also a truly gifted drummer just like Phil Collins, So expect the show to include the iconic “double drums” element as featured on every Genesis and Phil Collins tour.

ShrewSbury road • PeniStone • S36 6dy teL: 01226 767532

SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2023

SHOW STARTS 2:30PM TICKETS: TICKETS £10

An afternoon of musical ‘royalty’ when Howard Beaumont - Scarborough’s ‘King of the Keyboards’ joins forces with Britain’s Got Talent’s ‘Queen of the Keys’ - Jean Martyn to perform an afternoon of popular music on the Paramount’s mighty Compton organ. There’ll be plenty of show-stopping music and a unique opportunity to hear both artistes perform together featuring the Compton organ and grand piano.

ShrewSbury road • PeniStone • S36 6dy teL: 01226 767532

ANYTHING FOR LOVE - THE MEATLOAF STORY RIDES IN TO THE CITY HALL

The highly acclaimed show producer and No.1 recording artist, Steve Steinman, brings you his brand-new production featuring over 25 of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits calling in to Sheffield City Hall on Thursday the 19th of October, tickets are available now via sheffieldcityhall. co.uk.

The show Includes Steve’s very own No.1 single “Everything They Said Was True” written by John Parr and Meat Loaf and gifted to Steve. For over 30 years Steve has toured the world with his productions Anything For Love and Vampires Rock and now touring his own original albums in his own right. With an incredible stage set, tenpiece live band and featuring the Bad For Good Rock Orchestra, combined with Steve’s well known sense of humour and stage presence, the show can only be described as awesome.

The show will have you shouting for more as Steve and his cast of singers and dancers take you on a nostalgic trip back in time – Anything For

Love – Bat Out Of Hell – Paradise

By The Dashboard

Light – Took The

Words Right Out Of My Mouth –

Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad – Dead Ringer For Love – Total Eclipse Of The Heart and many, many more.

Rock Star, Steve Steinman is one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs and is a largerthan-life character! He is also a phenomenon, whose sizeable SELLOUT performances must be seen to be believed.

Steve, who originally hails from Oldham, has toured the UK incessantly for the last 30 years, encompassing thousands of performances. He continues to front his own shows in large theatres and arenas across the UK plus internationally and has so far sold a total of over 7 million tickets. With enormous tenacity and constant hard graft, Steve has built up a massive following. His very loyal legion of fans who attend his vibrant live music shows are particularly enthusiastic during his performances and some of his hardcore fans even go as far as

having permanent ‘Steve Steinman’ tattoos emblazoned on their body parts! Steve is often sent the photo evidence!

Steve operates his own production company from a base in Nottingham and is totally hands on with all aspects of the running of it, from writing and creating the productions, to illustrating his incredible singing talents as the front man. These are no small events either and feature a top-class band of 18 singers and musicians, all of whom sing and play totally live.

Steve is a big supporter of fully live music and in fact, many of the dates additionally feature a symphonic orchestra too. He owns several artic lorries that transport the shows from city to city to sizeable venues, ranging from large theatres to arenas.

Anything for Love - The Meatloaf Story starring Steve Steinman Sheffield City Hall Thursday 19th October 2023 Tickets available now from sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

LiVe eVentS at the ParaMount

FRIDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2023

SHOW STARTS 7:30PM • TICKETS £22 / £20 Concessions

The laugh-a-minute ROCKTACULAR experience is back! Featuring a superb 7-piece band, with world class musicians and phenomenal singers, the show breathes new life into the music of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Prince, Meat Loaf, Fleetwood Mac, Queen and more! You’d be ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ if you miss it! A show for all the family and a must see for any rock fan! Experience an evening that will awaken nostalgia, have you laughing till your sides hurt, dancing in the aisles and ROCKIN’ the night away! So, Jump at your chance to get your tickets today! Let ‘Rock For Heroes’ remind you of where you were that Summer of 69 and join us for the BIGGEST celebration of the Heroes of Rock!

ShrewSbury road • PeniStone • S36 6dy teL: 01226 767532

way.

that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane Leeds LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 Days of this Notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

A Guide to making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

We all have the power to prevent road deaths

Everyone must take responsibility for saving lives – that’s the message from road safety experts as the latest casualty statistics are released.

Thirty-five people lost their lives as the result of a collision on South Yorkshire roads in 2022. A further 786 people suffered serious or life-changing injuries.

And although casualty numbers are reducing compared to pre-pandemic figures, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) is urging all road users to take time today to think about the 35 people who lost their lives as well as the role we all have to play in making our journeys safer.

Chairman of SYSRP Strategic Board Tom Finnegan-Smith said: “These figures are a stark reminder that hundreds of lives are changed every year in South Yorkshire because of an incident on our roads.

“Behind every statistic, there is a family or loved one, torn apart by pain and grief. These numbers are about people - whether they are motorcyclists, pedestrians, drivers or cyclists – people who have set off on a journey and in some cases, never come home.

“We all have the power to change this. By travelling to the speed limit, putting away our mobile phones, taking extra time at junctions and safely passing cyclists, we can stop people being killed or seriously hurt on our roads.”

The Department for Transport figures show that a total of 821 people were killed or seriously injured (KSIs) in a South Yorkshire collision in 2022 – an increase of almost 18 per cent compared to 2021. When including slight injuries, the overall number of casualties for the county was 2,725 – a 0.8 per cent increase from the year before.

However, when comparing South Yorkshire data to 2019, road deaths have reduced by 21 per cent and both KSIs and all reported injuries have reduced by 16 per cent. This represents a decline above the national average in all categories.

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings said: “When comparing the data with pre-pandemic levels, we can see that the numbers are reducing, however much more needs to be done.

“The lasting damage caused by road collisions can be greatly reduced by adopting the Safe System approach; making vehicles safer, making roads safer, reducing speeding and having an improved response when collisions happen.

“I urge all drivers to think about their safety and the safety of other road users by driving within the speed limits and helping to make South Yorkshire’s roads safer.

“I also urge people to put away, if not switch off entirely, their mobile phones when travelling. Using a phone is illegal for a good reason: it distracts sufficiently for a driver to make a serious error.”

Earlier this year, SYSRP committed to Vision Zero - an international aspiration to end all death and serious injury on our roads. The first step toward achieving this ambition is to halve the number of KSIs by the year 2030.

Partners are working towards this target by delivering a county-wide road safety education programme, casualty reduction travel schemes, investments in road improvements and public engagement through behaviour change campaigns. Road traffic police officers enforce the transport network through daily activity, mobile safety cameras and strategic operations.

Examples of interventions include free first aid sessions for motorcyclists, Community Speed Watch schemes, workshops with businesses and Active Travel campaigns which raise awareness about pedestrian, horse rider and cycle safety. The partnership is also a member of the National Young Rider Forum.

“To achieve our vision, we will continue to develop and invest in our education, engineering and enforcement programmes to ensure we are making our system as safe as possible,” added Mr Finnegan-Smith.

“Mistakes will always happen – we are only human – but if our speed is appropriate, we’re not distracted, our vehicles are safe and our roads are well maintained, we’ve got the best possible chance of avoiding serious injury should a collision occur.

“Where people are deliberately breaking the law, partners from our policing and safety camera teams will pursue these criminals and bring those risking innocent lives to justice.”

To find out more about the work being done follow South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership on social media, @SYSaferRoads.

Griff Rhys Jones uncovers the heart of Canada’s Frenchness in the province of Quebec, and reveals how its history and diversity has helped shaped the multicultural Canada of

Britain’s

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAYTHURSDAY

Coronation Street: Carla finally realises it’s Stephen who spiked her drinks with LSD and confronts him. An alarmed Stephen also hears Tim’s phone ringing and realises the net is closing. Desperate to escape, he decides to flee to Thailand and to his delight Jenny agrees to go with him. Liam pretends to be sick to avoid Mason, who makes cracks at Dylan’s expense about his gay dad. Paul’s new wheelchair has arrived - but it won’t fit through the door into the flat! Tim realises he’s forgotten his wedding anniversary when a parcel turns up. Stu engages a private investigator to dig up dirt on Dom.

Emmerdale: Things get awkward as Charity & Liam go on a date, only to be seated next to Chloe & Mack at the B&B. But things get worse when Charity is forced to drive Chloe & Reuben to hospital - will she admit to sleeping with Mack? Mandy confronts Samson as she overhears him on a phone call. Will Lydia finally be forced to reveal the truth about Craig to her family as she tells everything to Kim? Cain & Caleb make progress with their mysterious plan. The plot thickens as they start poking around at Wylie’s Farm. What are they up to? And will Moira manage to get the truth out of Cain? Meanwhile Jai has a confession to make.

Eastenders: Lily has a complete meltdown and tells her shocked family that she can’t cope with being a mum. Kat reassures her that with her mum by her side, Lily can do this. It’s clear that Lily doesn’t feel the same way, however. Is she having doubts about keeping her baby? Anna is seriously worried about Freddie following his complete breakdown over his confrontation with his rapist dad Graham. Jay is caught out sneaking into Nadine’s flat. Rocky is keen for a bit of fun with Kathy and he tries to arrange some romantic alone time. But the pair are stuck living with Sonia and Reiss after Kathy’s falling out with son Ian and the cramped conditions are NOT ideal! Whitney and Zack are over the moon when Jan reveals that they’ve approved them for the next stage in their application! Will their dream to be parents finally be realised?

Barry Bannan has emphasised the togetherness in the S6 camp as Wednesday seek a maiden league win of the new season.

The Owls are looking up at the rest of the Championship after last Friday’s home clash with Sunderland but Bannan has issued a passionate call to arms from the

dressing room. On media duty on Sky TV game, Bannan said: “This squad is together. Football being football, it would be wrong if anyone was happy right now because of the results not being positive. No one in that changing room, including myself, can honestly say they deserve to be playing week in, week

out because we haven’t been getting the results.

“It’s normal not to be happy if you’re not playing and I wouldn’t expect anything else but make no mistake, we are all together as a group, from the manager to the staff and the players.

“As players we have to look at ourselves before we look anywhere

else. We are a work in progress, there’s been a lot of change and it was never going to happen overnight but we know that time is precious in football.

“So we understand the frustrations of the fans because as a fan you just want your team to win. But this is when we need them the most. Without them last season - you think back to the Peterborough game -a we wouldn’t be where we are right now, so this is a call to keep behind the players and help us get that win.

“The manager gets the heat but we need to take it on our shoulders. We believe in Xisco and his coaching staff and we have enough in that changing room to be doing better than we are.”

THERE WERE HALLMARKS OF A GOOD AWAY PERFORMANCE

Boss Matt Taylor believed his Millers side were not far off being worthy of a share of the spoils in South Wales but two second-half goals from Kion Etete and Perry Ng put pay to their chances.

The Millers – who are beset by a host of injuries - were more than a match for their in-form hosts for large spells of the Cardiff City Stadium clash but

Taylor felt Cardiff’s first goal turned the tide of the encounter. “For the first hour of the game, it was the best we have been away from home in terms of not being spectacular but structured. We lacked a little bit of quality going forward but it was a really positive start to the game, and first half in general.

“We kept them at arms’ length for the majority of the first half. We had a

clean sheet at half time. We were looking for them more in terms of attacking as the second half progressed, but, one moment of concentration on the hour mark has allowed them to get ahead in the game.

“I’m disappointed with how we let them get into the channel. I said to the players after, it was like time stood still at that moment. We just

got caught in-between and that was the killer moment for us. We did not cover the space. You could say it was a good cross and a good header but we needed to stop the ball at source.

“We changed it to try and chase it. We created a few opportunities and Arvin (Appiah) was looking a bright spark but the second goal is a sucker punch for us.

“The first goal really hurt us because that changes the feel of the game. The ease with how that first goal went in was really frustrating for us.”

Will Osula has seen his exciting potential rewarded with a new and improved longterm contract.

The striker has signed a new four-year deal at Bramall Lane with his services secured at S2 until the summer of 2027.

Speaking upon confirmation of his new deal, Osula is delighted to commit his future to the Blades and remains

excited about the challenges ahead this term.

He said: “This is a big day for me and I’m grateful. The last couple of years have been good, it has been a learning curve and I’m enjoying the experience.

It was amazing to play in the first three games, I was happy to be involved because it is a dream to play in the Premier League. It was a great education and experience against big teams, I enjoy the challenge. I’ve seen the level and this is where I want to play with Sheffield United, I’ve had a lot of support and encouragement, I want to work hard and push on now.”

The 20-year-old started United’s first three

Premier League matches this season, leading the line admirably against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and champions Manchester City, having impressed Paul Heckingbottom during pre-season.

The Danish-born forward furthered his development with Derby County during the first part of last season, netting five goals for the Rams, prior to returning to S2 and overcoming a nasty facial injury to end the season in fine form for the U21s, in addition to a couple of cameo appearances for the first team.

The 2022/23 campaign also saw the marksman make a breakthrough in

international football as he represented Denmark at both U19s and U21s levels.

THIS SqUAD IS TOGETHER NEW BLADES DEAL FOR WILL OSULA

Tying Osula down to a long-term contract has been high on the list of priorities since the closure of the transfer window, boss Heckingbottom has revealed, commenting: “This is something we have been working on for a long time, Will is someone the club value highly.

“Unfortunately, he’s injured at the minute or he would be involved with the first team now, but this is good business in protecting what could potentially be a valuable asset.”

OLOWU SEEKS TO LEARN LESSONS FROM TOUGH TIMES

Joseph Olowu insists he is determined to take lessons on board every time he takes to the pitch.

The centre back admits

Rovers need to be better defensively as they seek to improve form on a more consistent basis. And part of that involves personally taking something away from every game.

“Earlier on, I had some moments of learning,” he told the media following the defeat at Barrow.

“Now I’m coming into it and taking each game as it comes, each training session as it comes and wanting to improve and be better.

“Every time I step out onto the pitch I want to give the best account of myself possible.” On the side’s defensive record, Olowu believes Rovers need to be better

in individual moments but says that falls upon the team as a collective rather than any single player.

“It’s moments, generally speaking,” he said. “We’re not getting carved apart.

“Some may see it as too easy for the opposition but we need to make sure we’re doing better as a team. We need to make chances for the other team a lot harder to come by.

“We need to knuckle down, do things better as a team and get back to what got us the three wins on the bounce.

“We need to get back to our principles and it will reap rewards.”

Olowu was frustrated that Rovers failed to

take anything away from Barrow having scored twice against a side whose defence has been particularly miserly so far this season.

The Bluebirds had conceded seven goals in their opening eight league matches prior to welcoming Rovers on Saturday.

Olowu said: “The frustrating part is that Barrow are a team that doesn’t concede much, especially at home. “For us to get two goals, we’ve done a lot there but to come away without anything is very disappointing.”

dAyS OUT 2023

Mon 27th Thursford Christmas Spectacular £80 £80

Thu 30th Beamish at Christmas ..........£38 £35

2023 hOLIdAyS

7 Oct 8-days Jersey, A Perfect Island Break ...............£699 pp

16 Oct 5-days Discover the Isle of Wight .....................£399 pp

DECEMBER

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30 Oct 5-days Breath-taking Bournemouth ..................£349 pp

19 Nov 5-days valkenburg Christmas Markets ..............£499 pp

27 Nov 5-days Blackpool Turkey & Tinsel .....................£267 pp

27 Nov 4-days Awesome Amsterdam ...........................£399 pp

1 Dec 4-days Scottish Christmas Markets Weekend Break£289 pp

8 Dec 4-days Torbay Turkey & Tinsel Weekend ............£289 pp

11 Dec 5-days Llandudno Turkey & Tinsel.....................£259 pp

12 Dec 4-days Winter Break in Awesome Amsterdam ...£399 pp