Flame of Hope in Rotherham for 2017 Special Olympics Torch Run

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 31, 2017 12:58:32 PM


Special Olympics GB’s National Games are to be held in Sheffield and South Yorkshire this August.


Location: Rotherham, South Yorkshire


2.30pm: Torch Runners arrive at Rotherham Town Hall


2.40pm: Torch Runners depart Rotherham Town Hall for run, via Rotherham Town Centre and the Effingham Clock to Minster Gardens, Rotherham


3pm: Torch Runners arrive Minster Gardens


Torch Runners: PC James Beck / Sergeant Aneela Khalil-Khan

2017 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games


Tuesday 8 August – Friday 11 August 2017


The Official Special Olympics Torch Run with the ‘Flame of Hope’ will commence ten days before the start of the Games on Thursday 27th July with the torch lighting ceremony at the memorial to Dr William Penny Brookes at the Holy Trinity Church, Much Wenlock, North Shropshire – the historic birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.


Special Olympics GB’s National Games will see in the region of 2,600 athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities take part in 20 sports events. Special Olympics GB’s tenth National Summer Games will be held for the second time in Sheffield – the first time was back in the steel city in 1993.


The 2017 Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Great Britain will transport the ‘Flame of Hope’ from Much Wenlock on an exciting tour of towns and cities over a 10 day period. The ‘Flame of Hope’ will be escorted by representatives from the police forces.


After travelling over 200 miles through 10 towns, cities and locations, The Flame of Hope will arrive at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on Tuesday 8th August and make its way to the Special Olympics GB National Games Opening Ceremony.


Special Olympics would like to thank most sincerely PS Darren Hendleman from South Yorkshire Police and the Wenlock Olympian Society for the organisation and support.


Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Games will kick off with a spectacular Olympic-style Opening Ceremony on Tuesday 8th August at Sheffield United Football Club, Bramall Lane – and will continue with four days of sport.


Two of the categories will take place in Rotherham – the equestrian events at Aston’s Parklands riding centre, and golf at Rother Valley Golf Centre, Wales Bar.


Special Olympics GB is the largest registered charity providing year round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities. This event is the largest disability sports event of 2017 and entry is free to the public for all the sporting action.


Special Olympics GB National Games final led torch run route:


Thursday 27 July


Special Olympics Official Flame Of Hope Lighting Ceremony


Much Wenlock, Shropshire


Tuesday 1 August


Ripon, North Yorkshire


Wednesday 2 August


Queens Garden, Hull, Humberside


Thursday 3 August


Wakefield Town Centre, Wakefield


Friday 4 August


South Yorkshire


Leg 1:


Barnsley Town Centre, Barnsley, South Yorkshire


Depart Barnsley Town Hall approx. 10.30am for an arrival at the New Barnsley Markets for 11am


Leg 2:


Doncaster, South Yorkshire


Depart Elmfield Park, Doncaster approx. 12.30pm for an arrival at the Doncaster Deaf Trust for 1pm


Leg 3:


Rotherham Town Centre, Rotherham, South Yorkshire


Depart Rotherham Town Hall approx. 2.30 pm on a route going past Effingham clock tower for an arrival at Minster Gardens for 3pm


Tuesday 8 August


Sheffield


Leg 1:


Meadowhall, Sheffield, South Yorkshire


Arrival at Meadowhall 11am approx


Leg 2:


Weston Park, Weston Park Museum, Sheffield, South Yorkshire


Arrival at Weston Park approx 3.30pm


Leg 3:


Sheffield Town Centre, via the Moor, to top of Bramall Lane


Arrive for handover to final Flame Guardian at 7.45pm, arrive at SUFC stadium 8pm


The Flame will be passed between athletes from each region then finally to a Special Olympics GB Yorkshire and Humberside region athlete. This final athlete will pass the Flame to the waiting South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable who will light the symbolic cauldron to mark the official start of the Special Olympics GB 2017 National Games.

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New service aims to preserve treasured items

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 31, 2017 12:30:38 PM

Members of the public – as well as organisations and businesses – can now get expert assistance in conserving their treasured items.

Rotherham Council’s Heritage Services now offers a conservation service for external clients in addition to keeping the borough’s museum treasures in tip-top condition.

Clifton Conservation Service, which launched last November, primarily offers conservation and restoration services to museums, heritage bodies and local businesses, from its base in Clifton Park Museum.

But Conservator Jenny Mathiasson is keen to point out that the service also welcomes enquiries from private individuals who want to preserve their own family treasures or special memories.

Jenny said: “Our conservation team specialises in archaeology, ethnography, and social history but are happy to look at a wide range of collection types and materials. In addition to conservation and restoration we can offer a helping hand with preventive conservation, policies and plans, temporary exhibitions and training needs.

“We also offer advice on how to best look after antiques and cherished items,” she added.

Training sessions for people wanting to learn more about collections care are also offered by the service.

See more: http://www.cliftonconservation.co.uk/

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New Sponsor for Wath Comprehensive School

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 31, 2017 12:27:03 PM

A new sponsor has been chosen for Wath Comprehensive School following it being put into special measures earlier this year.

The Regional Schools’ Commissioner has selected Maltby Learning Trust to sponsor the school as it goes through the process of becoming an academy in the next academic year.

The school went into special measures following an Inadequate Ofsted rating In June.

Under statutory rules from the Department for Education (DfE), any local authority maintained school automatically has to become an academy following an Inadequate Ofsted rating.

Maltby Learning Trust will be the proposed sponsor of the school from September. The RSC is in the process of formally consulting with The Wath Learning Community Co-operative Trust on this matter.

Head teacher Jon Taylor said: “The school has made progress this term following on from the report. We are now looking forward to working with Maltby Learning Trust to implement further changes in the next academic year to continue the improvement journey we are on.”

Maltby Learning Trust Chief Executive Officer David Sutton added the Trust is built on the success of Maltby Academy, which has a track record of rapid school improvement and securing strong outcomes for all learners. He said: “The Trust is committed to lifelong learning and seeks to provide excellence in teaching through high expectations and a return to traditional values and standards.

“We are committed to providing outstanding provision for families, firmly rooted in the context of the local community. Leaders and Trustees from Maltby are looking forward to working with colleagues in the Wath learning community to bring about the necessary improvements and we are excited by the opportunities presented with this new collaborative arrangement.”

He added the Trust also has an excellent working relationship with Rotherham Council, which has been working with the school to ensure a statement of action was put in place following the Ofsted report. It is a statutory obligation that this is done within 10 days of the report being published.

Over the last few weeks, as a result of this statement of action, leaders and Governors in the school have been working closely with a number of nationally recognised Leaders of Education and Governance and officers from the Council to shape a robust action plan for improvement.

Ian Thomas, Rotherham Council’s Strategic Director for Children and Young People’s Services said: “A lot of improvements have been put in place at Wath Comprehensive School since the Ofsted rating was announced and we look forward to building on our relationship with the new sponsor, Maltby Learning Trust, in their future work to improve the school.”

This sponsorship arrangement may take a number of months to complete but in the meantime Mr Sutton and other Executive Leaders from the Trust will be working in the school from September.

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Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) Rotherham Town Centre and Clifton Park

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 31, 2017 12:15:43 PM

Rotherham Council is regenerating Rotherham town centre, making it an attractive place for people to visit and do business.

Despite these continued efforts, the Council continues to receive complaints about a minority of people who behave in an unacceptable way. Not only does this have an impact on individuals who may suffer at the hands of such behaviour but it can also give others a negative perception of the town centre.

Whilst Rotherham and its town centre remain safe places to enjoy, the Council and its partners are keen to access the full range of powers available, in order to continue to support the vibrancy of these areas and attract more visitors.

The Council and its partners continue to look at new and innovative ways to not only address poor behaviour but also to promote positive behaviours, seeking to set a standard for our town centre and Clifton Park. One of the measures currently under consideration is the use of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The area in which the order would be in effect can be seen in the attached map.

A PSPO introduces a number of prohibitions to address the anti-social behaviour of individuals visiting these areas. By outlining these prohibitions we can also make it clear what kind of behaviour is acceptable in the town centre.

The conditions below have been drafted in direct response to the concerns raised by the public, partners businesses and councillors. They are:

Behaving in such a way or using language that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to another person
Drinking alcohol other than in a licensed premises or event
Spitting
Face-to-face fundraising and marketing carried out by organisations without permission of the Council
Failing to keep a dog on a leash and under control
Using or carrying illegal drugs
Littering
Using a vehicle to cause a nuisance
Urinating or defecating in a public place

The Council would like to know how you feel about the introduction of a PSPO and whether you feel the conditions proposed would tackle poor behaviours and promote behaviours that you see as positive.

Your views will help us shape how we deal with some of the anti-social behaviour issues within the town centre and Clifton Park.

Any individual in breach of the PSPO would be subject to a £100 penalty. Those that failed to pay this would be liable for prosecution. If authorised, this order would commence in Autumn 2017.

Residents are invited to an informal drop-in session to talk to the Community Safety Unit on Tuesday 1 August at their town centre stall, or visit the café area of Riverside House, Main Street, on Thursday 10 August 2017 between 10am and 3pm.

To comment on the proposal and let us know about other issues you feel the order should include.

Have your say on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order

The consultation will close on Wednesday 16 August 2017.

Once the consultation feedback has been analysed, the results and proposed PSPO will be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board and to the Council's Cabinet for final approval.

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One of the UK’s very best green spaces

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 31, 2017 12:08:43 PM

Clifton Park has this week been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world.

The park is among a record-breaking 1,797 UK parks and green spaces that today received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

Clifton Park is hugely popular with people of all ages, with a wide variety of attractions including beautiful gardens, children’s play areas and the popular Clifton Park Museum.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services, Cllr Taiba Yasseen, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the seventh time. We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Clifton Park to such a high standard.

“Clifton Park is a fantastic day out and is very popular with families from across the county. The award is a tribute to all those working hard to keep everything looking beautiful for its visitors.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

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Bogus builders jailed for deceiving 89-year-old woman

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 31, 2017 12:01:12 PM

Three men who conned an 89-year-old Rotherham woman out of thousands of pounds after performing minor repairs at her home have been jailed for just over two years.

Tommy Maughan ,32, of Eastern Avenue, Sheffield, Billy Jay Hilton, 32, of Whitelea Road, Mexborough and Paul Birch ,43, of Burgoyne Road, Upperthorpe, Sheffield, admitted, at Sheffield Crown Court, fraud by joint enterprise and were sentenced on Thursday (20 July).

Maughan received an eight-month prison term, Hilton was jailed for eight-months and Birch was sentenced to nine months’ detention.

The men may have taken more money from the pensioner had it not been for a sharp-eyed teller who recognised the victim as she was drawing more funds from her account.

After clearing her gutter, the three men charged the victim £2,000. They then drove her to the Natwest bank in Wickersley, Rotherham, where they attempted to gain a further £1,500 from her in April 2016.

After recognising the victim from her earlier visit, the bank teller took the woman to one side before quickly alerting police.

Detective Constable Doug McGraghan said: "The quick-thinking members of staff at the branch prevented the offenders from getting more money and presented officers with an opportunity to apprehend the men, as they attempted to leave the area.

“The work they completed was assessed by a chartered surveyor who concluded that it was worth no more than £28. “

Please read and share our security advice with family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable and at risk - http://bit.ly/2gWd1fI

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Man sentenced for sexual abuse of child in 1960s

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 31, 2017 11:31:27 AM

A 64-year-old man has been given a three-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, for sexually abusing a child in Doncaster in the 1960s.

Adrian Marchant, of Balby, Doncaster, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Friday 21 July to be sentenced after being found guilty of indecent assault, gross indecency with a child and attempted rape of a child under 14-years-old.

He was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for two years, as well as being ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

Marchant’s victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, came forward to police in 2015 to report sexual abuse in Doncaster in the 1960s.

Investigating officer DC Nichole Russell said: “The victim in this case has shown remarkable courage and I commend her for coming forward after so many years to report the abuse she suffered as a child.

“Child sexual abuse is a horrendous crime and it doesn’t matter when it takes place, please be assured that police will listen, will investigate and wherever possible bring those responsible before the court.

“No sentence is ever going to repair the life-changing damage sexual abuse can cause, but I hope the victim takes some comfort from this case knowing her abuser has been found guilty.”

No custody image is available of Adrian Marchant.

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Man jailed for vehicle crime in Handsworth

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 31, 2017 11:54:28 AM

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for 14 weeks after being convicted of multiple vehicle crime offences.

Ashley Godber, of James Street, Masbrough, Rotherham, appeared before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Friday 21 July charged with three counts of theft from a motor vehicle, one count of vehicle interference, one count of failing to comply with a drugs test, one public order offence and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

He was convicted of the offences and received a 14-week jail sentence.

Acting Police Sergeant Ryan Griffiths from Sheffield said: “Godber committed a series of vehicle crimes in the Handsworth area within a 24-hour period.

“This came after he was handed a Criminal Behaviour Order in March this year with specific conditions about not touching/entering unattended motor vehicles without the express permission of the owner.

“Thanks to some fast action by Sheffield officers, we were able to arrest Godber and charge him the following day (13 July) with a series of offences.

“He is now behind bars for his crimes.”

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Young people's jobs boost

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 28, 2017 08:52:05 AM


Young people in Barnsley are learning more about the construction industry to help them get ready for work.


Two key initiatives, ‘ Building My Skills’ and ‘Get Into STEM’ help young people learn more about working in different industries.


More than 200 year ten students from Kirk Balk Academy are building their skills with industry professionals.


Barnsley College students met site agents at the junction 36 development site at Birdwell to help them with their projects.


The schemes are thanks to a new skills partnership between Barnsley Council and Esh Construction.


Councillor Roy Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place, said: “This partnership has inspired hundreds of young people to think about a career in the construction industry. It has provided much-needed work experience. We’re always looking for new ways to work with businesses and this is a great opportunity to support the current and future industry.”


John Bamford, a student tutor, said: “This type of experience is invaluable for our students. Especially when you consider that few of them have experience in civil engineering.”


‘Get Into STEM’ is aimed at primary schools. It introduces children to science, technology, engineering and mathematics linked to construction.


Over 50 children from Hoyland Common Primary school visited the construction site at Birdwell to learn about site safety.


Rebecca Shaw, Added Value Coordinator at Esh, said: “It’s important to educate young people about the range of careers in the construction industry.


"We aim to open the doors to the workplace for young people, raising their aspirations and making sure they have the right approach to secure that all-important first job.


“Get Into STEM is just one of Esh’s responses to a skills shortage across the engineering and construction sectors, and aims to shape career aspirations positively.”


Lumsden and Carroll, part of the Esh Construction group, is delivering the current road improvements at Birdwell. The work includes new roundabouts and a new link road to enable future development.

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Barnsley antisocial behaviour

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 28, 2017 08:45:05 AM


Barnsley Council officers and Police from Barnsley’s Safer Neighbourhood Service (SNS) have successfully had an order granted by the courts to ‘close’ a house following drug use and persistent antisocial behaviour issues.


The house, in Crookes Street, Barnsley, is the fourth property in the district to be closed under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. A three-month closure order was granted at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 12 July 2017 and means the house is closed to everyone except the occupant, their relatives and council and NHS staff. Police officers will also be able to enter the house.

Cllr Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities, said: “We’ll do what's necessary to make our communities safe and improve the quality of life for our residents. We’ve taken firm action to address persistent reports of antisocial behaviour, noise and criminal behaviour at this address and the closure order will enable Barnsley’s Safer Neighbourhood Service (SNS) to support both the occupant of the house on Crooke Street and residents in the surrounding area.”

A/Sergeant John Crawford, said: “We were aware that this property was a cause for concern for both the occupant of the house and residents in the area in terms of issues relating to antisocial behaviour and potential drug use.


“The main aim of the SNS is to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities and through working alongside SNS partners at Barnsley Council, we were able to work with the occupant of the house, and local residents, to look at ways in which we could make the area a better place for everyone.


“The house will be closed for an initial three months and after that, if necessary, we can apply for the order to be extended. Anyone found to be at the address, other than those mentioned above, could face arrest and up to six months in prison.


“The use of closure orders can help us to make Barnsley a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone to live and while the order is in place, the SNS team will be working with the occupant and local residents to address any issues of concern.”

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Find the hidden key 002

Look Hard and you will find!

 

Click the Secret Hidden Key in the picture below. Choose wisely!!

 

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[h5p id="8"]

Barnsley ram raids

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 12, 2017 02:35:09 PM

A man who committed two ram raid style burglaries at shops just over a mile apart is facing time behind bars for his crimes.

30-year-old Shane William Greenwood, of no fixed address, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday 10 July, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary of business properties, committed in February of this year.

DC Paul Woodruff, the investigating officer, said: “Thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to both shops, when a vehicle was used to ram the shop fronts.”

“Both offences were committed within minutes of each other, the first being on Church Street, Darton and the second on Spark Lane, Mapplewell, where Greenwood stole some alcohol after deliberately reversing the car into the front of the shop to gain entry.

“Through CCTV work, Greenwood was identified as a suspect and was quickly arrested. Once he was in custody, his clothing was seized, which further linked him to the breaks and enabled us to charge him with the offences.”

Greenwood has been remanded into custody and will be back at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday 7 August for sentencing.

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£30,000 drug swoop in Rotherham

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 12, 2017 02:25:59 PM

SIX people have been arrested after around £30,000 of cannabis was discovered during warrants carried out across Rotherham today (Tuesday 11 July).

Officers from Rotherham policing teams visited eight properties as part of Operation Leo – an ongoing investigation into organised crime groups.

A 37-year-old woman from Greasbrough was arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis.

A 27-year-old man from Rawmarsh, a 23-year-old man from Mexborough, a 32-year old man from Kilnhurst, a 47-year-old man from Goldthorpe and a 33-year-old woman from Maltby were all arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to produce cannabis.

All are currently in custody being questioned by officers.

Detective Inspector Mark Oughton said: “South Yorkshire Police is committed to tackling organised crime groups and this morning’s warrants are just one example of the work we are doing.

“An estimated £30,000 of cannabis was found along with drug cultivating equipment. As well as making six arrests, the intelligence gained today will help us to continue with our investigation.”

He added: “Our message to individuals involved in crime or on the periphery of criminal activity is that we will continue to come after you and work with communities to dismantle criminal networks.

“We ask anyone with information about suspicious behaviour in their neighbourhood to get in touch and we will act on your information.”

The warrants follow an operation in February when eight people were arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

Four men and four women from Rotherham have all been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

To report any information contact 101 or email enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk

You can also ring Crimestoppers to pass on information anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Life for Rotherham man found guilty of murder

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 12, 2017 02:11:17 PM

A Rotherham man is now serving a life-sentence behind bars after being found guilty of the murder of 64-year-old Judith Ducker.

Paul Storm Blueitt, 36, of Cambridge Crescent, Rotherham, was found guilty on Monday 10thJuly of murder and robbery, by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court following an 11-day trial.

He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison and will have to serve a minimum of 27 years before being considered for release.

Detective Constable Mick Walker, the investigating officer, and Detective Sergeant Andy Shields said: “Mrs Ducker was left with serious head injuries after she was assaulted by Blueitt during a robbery at Wellgate News in Rotherham on 1 September last year.

“At the time of the incident, Judith was living a normal life, despite living with breast cancer that had spread to other parts of her body. Oncologists from both Sheffield and Rotherham hospitals were managing her cancer and she had responded well to the treatment.

“Blueitt entered the shop shortly after 11am that morning and subjected Judith to an horrendous assault, during which she sustained serious head injuries.”

Mrs Ducker was left with a fractured skull, a fractured eye socket, multiple head lacerations and bruising to the brain. Blueitt stole £40 from the till before leaving the shop on a bike.

DS Shields added: “The consequence of this assault, was that Judith would never be well enough to receive further cancer treatment and after being taken to hospital, a CT head scan revealed that Judith’s breast cancer had spread to her brain. Such were her head injuries that further cancer treatment could not be given to her and she sadly died in hospital on 20 October last year. She died from the breast cancer that had spread to her brain.”

Blueitt was initially charged with attempted murder but after Mrs Ducker’s death, the charge was upgraded to murder, following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service.

The prosecution case was that the serious head injuries caused by Blueitt prevented Mrs Ducker from receiving vital cancer treatment and resulted in her premature death.

“This has been an incredibly sad and difficult time for Judith’s family and friends, who have all shown immense courage, understanding and patience throughout the investigation and the trial, and I would like to thank them for that,” added DS Shields.

“I would also like to thank all of the medical professionals from The Rotherham, Sheffield and Leeds NHS Trusts without whom this prosecution would not have been possible. Despite their professional commitments, they found the time to meet with the investigating officers and to attend the trial to give expert and medical evidence.

“This was a complex investigation, and the conviction has come through the hard work of the investigative team, alongside input and support from key partner agencies.

I hope that this offers some degree of closure to Judith’s family who have had to endure the agony of having their loved one taken away from them.”

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Grab a slice of family fun this summer

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 12, 2017 01:48:28 PM

Rotherham Town Centre and Clifton Park will be hosting entertainment and activities this July and August with six days of free family fun.

‘A Slice of Summer Fun’ returns for its third year with fun and activities from 10.30am until 3.30pm.

Starting with ‘Pirates and Princesses’ on Wednesday 26 July, children are invited to put on their eye patches and crowns and take to the town centre for a day which will include princess classes, a pirate-themed show, craft activities and more.

Then, on Saturday 29 July ‘Animal Magic’ returns with some fantastic animal-themed activities including a petting farm, crafts, sheep rodeo and the chance to handle some more exotic creatures from Nature Safari.

A Slice of Summer Fun moves to Clifton Park for three days from Tuesday 8 August until Thursday 10 August for Clifton-by-the-Sea with entertainment and activities each day alongside the existing water splash area, sandpit, mini golf, skate-park and children’s rides. For those wanting a slightly more relaxing time there are free deckchairs for that real seaside feel!

Wands at the ready for the last day of A Slice of Summer Fun on Saturday 12 August as ‘Wonderfully Wizardly’ flies into town with a brilliant magic show, walkabouts, crafts, Grimm & Co. and even the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services, Cllr Taiba Yasseen, said, “A Slice of Summer Fun is a great opportunity for families to come along and enjoy some brilliant free activities and entertainment during the summer months and hopefully the weather will be kind to us too.”

To keep up to date with events in Rotherham, follow @CultureLeisure on Twitter or like the RMBC events Facebook page.

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We should be able to vote aged 16, say Youth Cabinet

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 12, 2017 01:48:28 PM

Council leaders in Rotherham are being urged to back plans to lower the voting age to 16, following a plea from local teenagers

Members of Rotherham Council are being asked to support a motion by the town’s Youth Cabinet at this week’s Full Council.

If they back it then this will help enable the national Youth Parliament to lobby the Government to reduce the age when people can vote from the current age of 18 to the age of 16.

The Youth Cabinet - a national representation of elected young people at local level - has already had an indication from a pre-meeting with members that this vote will be backed. They want to gain support for voting rights for 16 and 17 year olds in public elections and referendums in the UK.

Thomas Jackson, aged 17, who is a member of Youth Parliament representing Rotherham, said: “Rotherham is moving forward as a child-friendly borough with particular focus on children and young people.

“People my age and many others already have jobs and contribute to the local economy. At 16, you can get married legally, have a national insurance number, and be paid national minimum wage. We have strong views and ideas on how the town should develop for the future, and if young people my age can do all this, then it only makes sense that we should be able to elect those who represent us, and decide our future, on a national level.”

The UK Youth Parliament, established in the late 1990s, is a non-political representation of 364 elected members aged 11-18 across the UK, who aim to increase political awareness in younger people. This is by providing a platform for discussion at a national level and by encouraging schools to teach a ‘curriculum of life’, involving learning about mortgages, taxes and neutral political education.

Rotherham Council Leader Cllr Chris Read added: “There is a strong movement of young people getting engaged with politics which can only be a good thing as politics should be for everyone.

“The Youth Cabinet is showing that young people here in Rotherham are absolutely in tune with this changing political landscape, and there is a real appetite for inclusion amongst younger people.

"Rotherham is transforming into a child-friendly borough, and supporting 16 and 17 year olds with their right to vote will fall in line with our vision for the town and its future.”

Youth Cabinet will present their proposal at Full Council on Wednesday (12 July).

Meanwhile Rotherham’s Youth Cabinet is also pushing the Make Your Mark national Youth Parliament campaign.

Since 2000, the UK Youth Parliament has provided a voice for young people to be involved in decision making. Make Your Mark gives young people aged 11-18 the chance to decide what Members of Youth Parliament should debate and vote on during their sitting in the House of Commons November 10.

The town’s Youth Cabinet and the Council are encouraging as many children as possible to sign up to this chance to have their voices and issues heard on a national platform.

Last year over 975,000 pupils took part in the Make Your Mark nationally and this year the hope is to surpass the one million mark.

Schools and colleges interested in this need to register by July 23 this year and take part on the consultation, which runs from August 12 to October 6 2017. To register, go to the UK Youth Parliament Website

The school or college with the highest percentage turnout will win five tickets to the House of Commons viewing gallery of the event on November 10.

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Renewed appeal to trace teenager Olivia

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 12, 2017 02:04:45 PM

Police have issued a fresh appeal for information about the whereabouts of 15-year-old Olivia Wood, who has now been missing nearly one week.

Olivia left the Conisbrough area of Doncaster at around 2.30pm on Wednesday 5 July. She contacted family at around 8pm that evening but has not been in touch since.

There have been several reported sightings of Olivia called in to police, suggesting that she is moving around South Yorkshire.

Officers believe Olivia has been in the Swinton and Rawmarsh areas of Rotherham, Sheffield city centre and Mexborough in Doncaster.

Superintendent Paul McCurry said: “We are grateful to everyone that has been in touch with us over the last week or so to report possible sightings of Olivia.

“We believe that most of these sightings are accurate, which suggests that Olivia is moving around South Yorkshire – possibly using public transport. I’d therefore ask anyone who regularly uses buses, trams or trains in the county to be vigilant and call us if you see her.

“While we are satisfied that some of these sightings are Olivia, we cannot be certain that she is safe and well until she has been located and spoken to by police officers.

“Our latest information indicates that Olivia may be with other people as we have had several reports of her being seen with two or three other girls.

Brodie Booker“We understand one of those girls may be 17-year-old Brodie Booker (pictured), who has also been reported missing from Sheffield. They may not be together now, but we believe they have been together at some point over the last week.

“Our absolute priority is ensuring Olivia’s wellbeing and if we find out that anyone has been offering her a place to stay and obstructing the police and public’s efforts to find her, those individuals could be in trouble with consideration given to potential child abduction offences.

“I’d therefore stress again that anyone with information about Olivia’s whereabouts comes forward to police and tells us what they know.

“We’d also really appreciate any information about possible social media accounts or telephone numbers that Olivia may be using or has used, if she is in contact with you. Your information will be treated in strict confidence. Please help us find Olivia safe and well.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 1237 of 5 July 2017.

Yorkshire Photography

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Find the hidden key 001

Look Hard and you will find!

 

Click the Secret Hidden Key in the picture below. Choose wisely!!

 

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Time to find the Vegetables

So you think you are a Vegetable expert?
Try our little quiz without googling if you dare!!

 

Click the Vegetables in the picture below. Choose wisely!!

 

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[h5p id="6"]

Time to test the brain cells

So you think you are a berry expert?
Try our little quiz without googling if you dare!!

Guess the berry.
Click the button to see if you got it right.

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[h5p id="5"]

Missing from Doncaster – have you seen Olivia Wood?

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 06, 2017 12:55:49 PM


We need your help to find 15-year-old Olivia Wood, who was reported missing from the Conisbrough area of Doncaster yesterday evening (Wednesday 5 July).


Olivia, who has short brown hair, left the Minneymoor Hill area of Conisbrough at about 2.30pm, heading towards Swinton.


She was last heard from at around 10pm last night, and is thought to have been in Sheffield city centre. She has not been seen or heard from since and both officers and her family are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.


Olivia is thought to be wearing a navy blue parker jacket with fur round the hood and black jeans. Officers also believe she may be carrying a black rucksack.


Have you seen Olivia? If you know where she is or have spoken to her, please call 101 quoting incident number 1237 of 5 July 2017.

Yorkshire Photography


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Smoking declining in Rotherham but more can be done

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 06, 2017 12:55:49 PM


More people are quitting smoking in Rotherham than elsewhere in Yorkshire and the Humber, a decade since the smoke free ban came in to force.


However, Rotherham people are still more likely to start smoking than people in other parts of England, and as a result are more likely to suffer from smoking related illnesses, new statistics show.


A recent report by Yorkshire Smokefree – the quit smoking service commissioned by Rotherham Council – highlights the number of people giving up, but also where long term issues lie.


There has been a significant decline in people taking up smoking nationally in the last five years – which has been attributed to the smoke free ban and also the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes.


Although numbers of people taking up smoking is also falling in Rotherham, this is not at the same rate as it is nationally.


Now Rotherham health chiefs want to encourage more people in Rotherham to quit.


Cllr David Roche, Cabinet Member for Public Health at Rotherham Council said: “It is good that people are realising the dangers of smoking and that young people especially are not taking up smoking, as these new figures show.


“But we know there is still more that can be done here in Rotherham to help people give up and to prevent people from wanting to begin smoking in the first place.”


Terri Roche, Director of Public Health at Rotherham Council added: “Smoking is linked to deprivation, and as Rotherham has higher levels of deprivation than the national average, it is not surprising that we still have higher than average smoking rates here.


“Our aim is to break this cycle by letting people know that it is never too late to quit smoking; this is the message we want people to understand. Stopping smoking can help to prevent illnesses which are attributed to smoking, and ultimately death. We will continue to refer people to quit smoking services to help reduce the numbers.”


Since the introduction of smoke free legislation in England 10 years ago, there has been significant growth in support for this and other legislation introduced by the Government, particularly among smokers themselves, says charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH).


The last decade has also seen the UK become a world leader in implementation of the World Health Organisation’s tobacco treaty.


The ASH report Smokefree: The First Ten Years, also notes increasing public support for further measures such as a licensing scheme for tobacco retailers and a levy on the tobacco industry to pay for measures to reduce smoking prevalence.

Yorkshire Photography


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Consultation on ward boundaries

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 06, 2017 11:21:04 AM


The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is conducting an electoral review of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.


This review will determine the future size of the Council (the number of councillors) and the ward boundaries to be used in elections from May 2020 onwards.


Following an earlier consultation, the Commission published its draft recommendations for Rotherham on 4 July 2017. These state that the Council should have 59 councillors rather than the current 63 and proposes 25 new wards to be used in the next local elections in 2020.


There are currently 21 wards in Rotherham, each represented by three councillors. This consultation is an important step in deciding what the new ward boundaries will be. The Commission has proposed 9 wards to be represented by 3 councillors and 16 wards to be represented by 2 councillors. The boundaries of all existing wards are proposed to change to some degree.


Comments are now invited on the Commission’s proposed new ward boundaries for Rotherham and the consultation closes on 4 September 2017.


Members of the public can have their say on the proposed new ward boundaries on the Commission’s consultation portal, at the bottom of the page.


Alternatively, people can write to the following address:


The Review Officer (Rotherham)

LGBCE

14th Floor, Millbank Tower

London SW1P 4QP


Email the Commision: reviews@lgbce.org.uk


Commission Consultation Portal: https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk

Yorkshire Photography


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Barnsley Safeguarding Awareness Week

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 06, 2017 11:12:14 AM


South Yorkshire Police are joining agencies in Barnsley this week as they come together for a week of awareness-raising activity to promote safeguarding.


Working together are South Yorkshire Police, Barnsley Council, health, other emergency services and the voluntary sector, to host a programme of activities throughout the town to raise awareness of what safeguarding means.


Both members of the public and safeguarding professionals are encouraged to attend the free events on offer.


You can find Barnsley Council on Facebook and Twitter (search the hashtag #SAW17). You can also visit www.barnsley.gov.uk


Detective Inspector Gary Askew, from Barnsley’s Protecting Vulnerable People team, said: “As one of the key agencies involved in the safeguarding of people at risk, we’re happy to support Barnsley Council’s Safeguarding Awareness Week.


“It’s important to use weeks like this, however, to highlight that the role of protector and issue of safeguarding is not just isolated to emergency services and the local authority.


“Protecting people from harm is everyone’s responsibility and hopefully the events will help highlight to the wider public how they can play a role in safeguarding, the kinds of situations where safeguarding may arise and how they can seek the right support and advice.


“We want to work with our partner agencies and the wider community to ensure Barnsley is a safe place to work, live and visit.”

Yorkshire Photography


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Woman jailed for stealing wedding rings from couple due to marry

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 06, 2017 11:10:16 AM


A 27-year-old woman who robbed a couple of their wedding rings is now serving time behind bars for two years.

Toni Bell (pictured), of Albert Street, Maltby, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Monday 3 July to be sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of burglary.


They took place in the Maltby area between 7 June and 10 June this year.


Two further counts of burglary were taken into consideration.


PC Susannah Taylor, the investigating officer, said: “In one of the burglaries Bell committed last month, she stole engagement and wedding rings from a couple who are due to get married at the end of this month.


“Thanks to the quick work of our Performance Crime Team, we were able to identify Bell, arrest her and recover most of the property she had stolen.


“We have been able to reunite the wedding rings with the happy couple and we wish them the very best for their future together.


“This was a really happy ending to our investigation, and I hope it serves as another reminder that we are dedicated to tackling burglary and will do whatever we can to robustly investigate these crimes and locate those responsible, bringing them before the courts.


“Bell is now behind bars for her crimes and we hope the Maltby community are reassured by the swift action taken.”

Yorkshire Photography


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Doncaster man jailed for child sex offences

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 06, 2017 11:06:14 AM


A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to four years and four months behind bars for ten sexual offences against a teenage boy.


John Nicolson, of Gargrave Close, Doncaster, was handed the sentence at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday 30 June, after pleading guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, two counts of possession of indecent photographs of a child and one count of disclosing a private sexual photograph with intent at an earlier hearing.


Officers launched an investigation after concerns were raised by the parents of a 13-year-old boy about Nicolson’s inappropriate behaviour towards him.


Nicolson had been using social media pages and an online dating app for over three months, to develop a relationship with the 13-year-old, lying about his own age and claiming he was 16-years-old.


He met up with the boy on several different occasions in Doncaster and sent presents, expressing his feelings toward him, to his home.


Officers arrested Nicolson at his home address in February and later charged him with the offences.


Detective Constable Richard Dickinson, who led the investigation, said: “Nicolson knew the age of his victim and intentionally continued to purse and develop a relationship with him.


“His actions were for his own sick gratification and I would like to thank the victim for the bravery and courage he has demonstrated throughout both the investigation and the court process.


“I hope the young boy and his family feel some sense of justice has been achieved now Nicolson is behind bars for his despicable actions.


“We take any report of a sexual offence extremely seriously and I hope this investigation represents our commitment to thoroughly investigate all reports and protect victims of sexual abuse.


“If you have any concerns about someone you may know being a victim of child sex offences, please report it to police or anonymously through Crimestoppers.


“Everyone at South Yorkshire Police is committed to keeping our residents safe and we will work wherever possible to bring offenders to justice.”


Please note it is against the law to name a victim of a sexual offence. If you name a victim, or post any information that could lead to the identification of a victim, you are breaking the law and could face prosecution.

Yorkshire Photography


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Modern slavery - what do you know?

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 06, 2017 10:49:39 AM


Slavery, often thought to be confined to the dark depths of history is sadly still happening today, it’s just hidden in plain sight.


As part of our modern slavery campaign, we’ve been issuing posts and videos about modern slavery, to give you more information about exactly what it is and to provide you with the knowledge to spot the signs you’re most likely to see in everyday life.


Detective Sergeant Nikki Leach, who heads up the force’s Anti-Slavery Unit, said: “Victims of modern slavery can often be difficult to identify, because those signs are so hidden.


“For example, we know that people who are being exploited through labour often work at car washes or nail bars, and have previously told us that they have been forced to work long, hard hours for little or no money. People use these facilities every day and may not be aware that the workers may be potential victims.”

The force’s modern slavery campaign, which has been running for the past seven weeks, has focused on two strands of modern slavery; sexual exploitation and labour exploitation.


DS Leach added: “The role of the Anti-Slavery Unit is to build up an in-depth intelligence picture surrounding potential offenders and situations where vulnerable people may be being exploited.


“Throughout the campaign we have carried out several operations to identify potential victims of modern slavery and any perpetrators.


“This involved an operation at several car washes in Rotherham, as well as an operation in Doncaster, in which four men were arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences.


“However it’s important to note that modern slavery isn’t confined purely to labour and sexual exploitation.


“People can also be victims of modern slavery through domestic servitude and other criminal activities, such as people who are forced to work in a cannabis cultivation set-up.


“Our work to highlight the issues of modern slavery, identify potential vulnerable victims, safeguard them and develop the intelligence picture surrounding offenders continues, and we’d always ask anyone with concerns to phone us straight away.


“You can also contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121700. To look back over everything published during the campaign, please visit our website or search #ModernSlavery on social media, so you can read more about the signs to look out for and how you can help us to identify and protect potential victims.”


For more information on Modern Slavery, please visit our dedicated webpage southyorks.police.uk/modernslavery.

Yorkshire Photography


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Man jailed for over four years for assault and car theft

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 04, 2017 11:26:51 AM


A Doncaster man is today beginning a more than four-year stint behind bars after pouring boiling water over another man and stealing a car.


33-year-old Andrew Pilkington, formerly of East Avenue, Woodlands, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (Monday 3 July), where he was jailed for a total of four years and 10 months for his crimes.


Pilkington received four years for assaulting another man whilst he was an inmate at HMP Doncaster in May last year, where he poured boiling water over him.


A/Detective Sergeant Alex Dorlin, from the prison investigation team, said: “The victim was left with severe burns to his head, neck, chest and back as a result of this vicious attack and has been left with permanent scars.


“After being released from prison, Pilkington went on to commit a further crime in January of this year, where he stole a car from the Bentley area of Doncaster.


“As soon as officers spotted the stolen car, being driving by Pilkington, they began to pursue it. Pilkington was driving recklessly, putting other road users at risk as he drove through red lights and a no entry sign in a bid to evade arrest.


“Eventually, he stopped the car and tried to run from officers but was arrested soon after and brought into custody.”


Pilkington pleaded guilty to taking a vehicle without consent and to dangerous driving, in addition to assault causing actual bodily harm.


He was jailed for a total of four years for assault, two months for stealing the car and a further eight months for dangerous driving.

Yorkshire Photography


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Supporting children with additional needs

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 04, 2017 11:26:51 AM

Schools which have improved how they work with children with additional needs held a celebratory event last week.

The event – held at Magna Visitor Attraction in Rotherham – marked the changes schools across the borough have made to be more inclusive.

For the last three years primary and secondary schools have been working with trained practitioners and parents of children with additional needs on how best to promote social and emotional well-being among pupils.

Results have included schools employing speech therapists to help overcome language difficulties, to developing “nurture groups” and making meetings more child-centred.

The training has been delivered by the Rotherham Charter team – a pioneering partnership between Rotherham Council and the Rotherham Parent Carer Forum

Councillor Gordon Watson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services at Rotherham Council said: “The Rotherham Charter is an incredibly important project which is already paying dividends in our schools.

“It asks schools and services to work in partnership with parents, children and young people, who in turn are asked to put their trust in schools and services to value their contribution as equal partners. It is these changes that can then make big differences to the well-being and outcomes of children and families.

“Congratulations to all the schools which have chosen to take on these improvements and gained gold charter status as a result.”

Children, parent carers and staff of the schools and settings involved were invited to join the celebrations last week, which included a magician, prior to a more formal presentation attended by the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Eve Rose Keenan.

Rotherham Council’s Strategic Director of Children and Young People’s Services Ian Thomas added: “This celebration recognised the really powerful message about how trust can be developed between staff, children and families and what a difference this can make.

“The genuine partnership between the Council and the Parent Carer Forum is leading to great results in our schools, which is ultimately benefiting children who may otherwise have missed out on the support they need.

“This partnership is now being recognised nationally as best practice which is really great news for everyone involved.”

The Rotherham Charter asks Rotherham schools, colleges, settings and services to make a commitment to parents, carers, children and young people that they will care, include, communicate and work in partnership with them, recognising trust to be the essential factor in all these relationships.

During the process, staff receive training and support from the Rotherham Charter team, which includes trained practitioners such as educational psychologists and parents of children with additional needs. The team liaise closely with parents, staff and pupils to identify good practice and areas of further development.

Settings which are recognised as being best practice following this training are awarded Charter Gold status.

The two schools that have been accredited with Charter Gold this year are Bramley Sunnyside Infant School and Rockingham Junior and Infant School. And for the first time six schools have received Gold Reaccreditation. These are: Sitwell Infant School, Meadowview Primary School, St. Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, Thurcroft Infant School, Wales Primary School and Harthill Primary School.

Yorkshire Photography

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Over six years in prison for Sheffield robbers

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 04, 2017 11:26:51 AM

Two men have been jailed for a combined total of six years and three months after being convicted of robbery in Sheffield.

William McLatchie 23, of Stinsford Close, Bestwood Park, Nottingham, and Paul Turton, 23, of Ridgeway Walk, Nottingham, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on Friday 30 June to be sentenced after each pleading guilty to robbery, possession of a bladed article and driving offences at a previous hearing.

McLatchie was jailed for three years and 11 months, Turton (pictured below right) jailed for two years and four months.

The court heard that in the early hours of Saturday 11 March 2017, McLatchie and Turton approached two members of the public who were walking home along Carter Knowle Road, Sheffield, after a night out.

McLatchie produced a knife and threatened the victims, while Turton searched their pockets. After stealing cash, phones and a contactless debit card from their victims, the pair left in a vehicle.

McLatchie was later captured on CCTV using the stolen card in a shop in Chesterfield.

Their vehicle was then seen driving erratically by officers from Nottinghamshire Police, who engaged in a pursuit before their vehicle was brought to a stop and both men arrested.

PC Craig Winkless who led the investigation said: “McLatchie and Turton intentionally travelled into Sheffield from Nottingham to commit crime.

“They then targeted two members of the public, taking advantage of them for their own selfish gain by threatening them with a knife.

“Not wishing to be seriously injured, the victims understandably offered no resistance and the offenders have left the scene with various items of stolen property. This was a cowardly act and I am glad that both men are now behind bars.

“I hope that this demonstrates our dedication within Sheffield to tackle these kinds of crimes, along with our persistence and desire to reducing crime and to bring criminals before the courts to face prosecution.

“In this case in particular, I want to thank the victims for having the courage to come forward to police.”

Yorkshire Photography

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Barnsley teenager charged with numerous offences

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 04, 2017 11:20:36 AM

A teenager from Barnsley has been charged with a total of 11 offences, including assault and burglary.

The 14-year-old boy, who lives in west Barnsley, cannot be named for legal reasons. He has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking without consent, assault and burglary, in addition to three counts of driving whilst disqualified and three counts of driving without insurance.

The boy is also charged with failing to stop at a collision and failing to report a collision.

The charges relate to incidents all within Barnsley from May to June of this year.

The boy will appear before court later this month.

Yorkshire Photography

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Ancient Aztec temple and ball court unearthed in heart of Mexico City

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 03, 2017 09:30:48 AM


A tower of human skulls unearthed beneath the heart of Mexico City has raised new questions about the culture of sacrifice in the Aztec empire, after crania of women and children surfaced among the hundreds embedded in the forbidding structure.


Archaeologists have found more than 650 skulls caked in lime and thousands of fragments in the cylindrical edifice near the site of the Templo Mayor, one of the main temples in the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, which later became Mexico City.


The tower is believed to form part of the Huey Tzompantli, a massive array of skulls that struck fear into the Spanish conquistadores when they captured the city under Hernan Cortes. The structure was mentioned in contemporary accounts.


Historians relate how the severed heads of captured warriors adorned tzompantli, or skull racks, found in a number of Mesoamerican cultures before the Spanish conquest. But the archaeological dig in the bowels of old Mexico City that began in 2015 suggests that picture was not complete.


“We were expecting just men, obviously young men, as warriors would be, and the thing about the women and children is that you’d think they wouldn’t be going to war,” said Rodrigo Bolanos, a biological anthropologist investigating the find.


“Something is happening that we have no record of, and this is really new, a first in the Huey Tzompantli.”


Raul Barrera, one of the archaeologists working at the site alongside the huge Metropolitan Cathedral built over the Templo Mayor, said the skulls would have been set in the tower after they had stood on public display on the tzompantli.


Roughly six meters in diameter, the tower stood on the corner of the chapel of Huitzilopochtli, Aztec god of the sun, war and human sacrifice. Its base has yet to be unearthed.


There was no doubt that the tower was one of the skull edifices mentioned by Andres de Tapia, a Spanish soldier who accompanied Cortes in the 1521 conquest of Mexico, Barrera said.


In his account of the campaign, de Tapia said he counted tens of thousands of skulls at what became known as the Huey Tzompantli. Barrera said 676 skulls had been found, and that the number would rise as excavations went on.


The Aztecs and other Mesoamerican peoples performed ritualistic human sacrifices as offerings to the sun.

Yorkshire Photography


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Convicted sex offenders have appeals rejected

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 02, 2017 10:30:11 AM


Arshid HussainTwo men convicted of child sexual exploitation offences in Rotherham have had their request for appeals rejected by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales and two High Court judges.


Arshid Hussain (top right) and Basharat Hussain (below right), who were jailed in February last year for sexually exploiting girls in Rotherham, appeared before the Court of Appeal in Leeds yesterday (Thursday 29 June).


The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Lord Thomas ruled that all appeals be dismissed.


He also ruled that the sentences handed down to Arshid and Basharat, 35-years in prison and 25-years in prison respectively, would stand.


Detective Chief Inspector Martin Tate was the Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Clover, the multi-agency investigation into the Hussain brothers and their criminal network who groomed and exploited young girls in Rotherham between 1987 and 2003.


Basharat HussainSpeaking after the appeal hearing, he said: “I am really pleased with the rulings passed by Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas.


“The sentences given to Arshid and Basharat last year are some of the largest ever imposed for sexual offending in the UK, but Lord Thomas ruled that this was entirely proportionate. The Lord Chief Justice was clear that this was some of the worst sexual offending he had ever presided over, and that these sentences must act as a deterrent nationally. He also stated that no civilised society can tolerate such offending and the courts must protect the public.


“While the appeals process is not normally one that police comment on, I feel it only right that we continue to recognise the bravery of the young women who have had to face yet another challenge in their battle for justice. No sentence will ever recover the years of abuse, and in many people’s eyes, no sentence is ever long enough. In my view however 35 years in prison is a significant message from the courts that any offending of this type will dealt with in the most robust way possible.


“Any appeal hearing can be difficult for victims of crime, but particularly so for victims of child sexual exploitation and especially the young women we have supported throughout Operation Clover.


“This latest hearing understandably caused some concern and anxiety, but they are relieved with the outcome from court. It is entirely understandable that victims and the wider public want justice from these investigations as soon as possible. It is critical however that the police and CPS get these very complex investigations right. They must be legally sound and stand up to intense scrutiny. We obviously have the support of our extremely professional and victim focused prosecution CPS lawyers and appointed barristers. They work tirelessly with us to convict offenders.


“The trial, presided over by HHJ Judge Wright in Sheffield, allowed the victims to tell their story in their own time and with the correct support under the legal provisions of what we call special measures. I hope that encourages other victims that if they come forward they will be heard and we will discuss all options around giving evidence.


“I hope this latest result demonstrates how committed the police and the criminal justice system are in our support for victims of sexual abuse and that once convicted, we continue to do all we can to ensure that dangerous predators remain behind bars.”

Yorkshire Photography


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External Wall Insulation

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 02, 2017 10:15:03 AM


Following the fire at Grenfell Tower in London the council is providing information about the safety of the council homes with External Wall Insulation (EWI) in the event of a fire.


There are around 1000 Rotherham council homes across the borough that have benefited from External Wall Insulation (EWI) to help improve the thermal efficiency of properties.


If you take a piece of the insulation which is installed as part of the EWI product it is possible to set fire to it. However there are a number of steps to the installation process which takes away this risk and provides a finished product which is fire retardant.


The steps include:


Step 1 : Remove and repair any loose or defective concrete or brick work which will provide a solid structure in which to install the EWI to.


Step 2 : Fix the insulation direct to the existing wall finish with special mechanical fixings.


Step 3: Apply a metal mesh over the top of the insulation board.


Step 4: Apply a full coat of fire retardant render to the whole property.


The combination of these four steps provides a product which provides a fire retardant barrier, that has been given a Class 0 rating. A Class 0 rating protects the surfaces from the spread of flames AND limits the amount of heat released from the surface during a fire. It is worth noting that Building Regulations, Fire Safety, Part B specifies that this type of rating is only required for buildings 18m or more, however, the Council has gone above and beyond this guidance and provided a class 0 finish on all properties that have received EWI.


The risk of fire spreading via external cladding is extremely low, this is because the insulation is encased in fire retardant materials, in the same way as insulation is sandwiched between bricks in a traditionally built cavity wall property.


In addition to this the EWI installed in Rotherham is a different system to the curtain walling product used at Grenfell Tower and other high risk buildings across the country. Curtain walling is installed on metal tracks which means that the panels are not flush to the building, early indications are that this style of fitting acts as a chimney which enables flames to take hold of the insulation and spread.


The Council is keeping abreast of the latest developments following the incident at Grenfell Tower and will act accordingly as and when further guidance/legislation is issued. The Council also has a close working relationship with South Yorkshire Fire Service and we will continue this partnership working to ensure the safety of our tenants.


As a tenant there is also some valuable guidance which will help reduce the risk of fire within your home.


These include:


1. Smoke alarms save lives, please test your alarm regularly

2. Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking and electrical appliances unattended

3. Never use a chip pan or any other pan filled with hot oil

4. Do not overload electric sockets

5. Keep matches and lighters away from children

6. Keep clothes well away from heaters and fires

7. Put out cigarettes properly

8. Don’t charge things like mobile phones, tablets or e-cigarettes overnight or for longer than required

9. Plan your escape route

10. Don’t leave flammable waste in your garden, especially left in close proximity to your house.

Yorkshire Photography


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New homes for Rotherham will be a boost for tenants and first time buyers

Latest news in Yorkshire: July 02, 2017 10:07:40 AM


Rotherham residents are set for a major housing boost through a pioneering new scheme that will provide over 200 much needed new homes in the borough.


The Council is seeking approval from the Cabinet and Commissioners’ decision- making meeting to proceed to build homes across seven sites in Maltby, Canklow, East Herringthorpe and Dinnington.


The meeting, which takes place on 10th July, will seek approval to build 217 new homes. It is proposed these properties will have a mixture of tenures to include: 83 new homes for outright sale, 36 shared ownership or rent to buy homes and 98 new council homes, of which five will be homes for adults with specialist needs.


The Council identified Wates Residential through a competitive tendering process in September 2016 as the preferred developer to build the new homes. If the proposal is approved, it is envisaged that this highly innovative scheme will start in Autumn this year with completion due in 2020.


Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Dominic Beck, said, “We will be delighted to gain approval of this ambitious scheme as it will improve the quality and choice of housing, whilst increasing the number of new homes built in Rotherham. "


"We are determined to build more properties to be rented out as Council homes across the borough and this development is a real testament to this aim."


“The development will also increase housing in key areas of the borough, which are underdeveloped at present, providing a much needed boost with the addition of brand new housing, tailored to meet the needs of local people.”


Jo Jamieson, Managing Director, Wates Residential, said: “It is evident that there is an increasing need for a mixture of new housing in Rotherham and the Council’s ambitious proposals will go some way to addressing this demand."


"If given the go ahead, Wates Residential will be delighted to work with the council on the development, sharing the risk on planning, construction and market sales, and ultimately building mixed tenure homes that cater to the varied property demands of people across the borough.”


As part of the Council’s ongoing programme to acquire new Council homes to replace properties sold under the ‘Right To Buy’ scheme and maintain stock levels, it is also proposing to buy six two bedroom apartments and three four bedroom houses at the Waverley site from Avant Homes.


These properties will meet the demands for these types and sizes of property from tenants ensuring that affordable rented social housing is available to those who cannot afford or do not want to buy a home.


The Council is also seeking Cabinet approval to increase the number of homes suitable for older people in the Council’s housing stock by asking approval to build bungalows at Catherine Avenue, Swallownest and St.Mary’s Drive, Catcliffe.


The need for bungalow style homes is high in Rotherham, with its increasing older population with specialist support needs. The borough has a growing population of 260,000 which is also ageing, with one in four aged over 60 years.


The building work on the bungalows is set to start in August this year.

Yorkshire Photography


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