PRESS RELEASE Issued Monday 12th May 9.00am
 By Wharncliffeside.org 
 Wharncliffe Side – Let’s Breathe

Hundreds of furious Wharncliffe Side villagers, of all ages, came out into the sunshine this weekend to show Sheffield City Council how much they value, and use, their greenbelt field in the heart of the village. The mass meet-up, which was staged on land ear-marked by the Council for over 100 houses, was the second gathering of angry and upset villagers in a week, following a meeting attended by the Deputy Leader of the council, 160 villagers and three City Councillors in the local chapel last Wednesday.

“Almost 1000 houses have already been built nearby, and our village infrastructure is just not capable of coping with this huge growth, never mind what might happen when even more houses are built” claim organisers of the “Wharncliffe Side – Let’s Breathe” group. They promised that this weekend’s meet-up was just the beginning of activities focussed on demonstrating the importance of the land for wildlife, wellbeing and village life. Many local residents have also expressed serious concern about the viability of building on the field due to well-known drainage issues and very limited access.

Local resident David Thornton, who lives in one of the older cottages overlooking the field, said “We are in shock. Many older residents, and young children, are especially worried and upset. This field has been a popular public space for as long as people can remember. It’s located just beyond the original village green, which no longer exists, in the oldest part of the village, and is treasured by everyone who uses it. 

We urge the Council to reconsider the proposal to include this small field in the Sheffield plan and remove it before Wednesday’s full council vote”. 

Hi resolution photos are available via this link> https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/thzl1tg95jmab6va74wj1/AOXOAVqC-EsxL9IzSS0it-k?rlkey=ijvcc85vdg6jagvd1mucpoy4l&st=oewbjg8k&dl=0