Residents win fight to fence dumping ground
RESIDENTS have won a long battle to fence off waste ground which has become a haven for yobs and fly-tippers.
People living near the shops at the roundabout on Hartley Brook Road and Nethershire Lane, Shiregreen, Sheffield, have spent the last few years calling for the area to be enclosed.
Childminder Vicki Baker - who has complained about the problem to Sheffield Council - said: "Rubbish is regularly dumped and the site is continuously used for groups to hang about drinking and taking drugs, because it is not in public view from the road so out of sight of the police.
"It would be better gated off so it can be kept secure, clean and tidy. The area is a waste of resources for the fire brigade and police, who are called out regularly to deal with problems."
Vicki, who lives with husband Mark, 41, and their two children on Nethershire Lane, said despite repeated complaints nothing had happened because of a dispute between landowner Sheffield Council and the shopkeepers over who should cover the cost.
She said the problem is making people scared to use adjoining alleyways.
The 35-year-old added: "It's not nice when children I am looking after are playing in the garden when on the other side of the fence people are messing about and smoking things they shouldn't.
"Ourselves and neighbours have get-togethers in our gardens during the summer but are worried about what's going to be thrown over.
"On one occasion youths built an obstruction and set it on fire, which could have damaged my fence."
Vicki said items dumped by fly-tippers have included old mattresses, furniture, crates and even a shed. She also claims her dog is allergic to weeds growing on the plot.
She added: "Shiregreen in the most part is full of nice, friendly people, all working hard to give the area a good name. Problems like this spoil the area."
Coun Peter Price, chair of Sheffield Council's Brightside and Shiregreen area panel, said: "Anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping is unacceptable and I am pleased to confirm the area panel has identified funding to secure the land to the rear of the shops.
"We will be working with the shop owners, local residents and the police to plan the best way to restrict the access as quickly as possible."
The council does not yet know how much the work will cost because detailed designs have yet to be agreed, but the project is to be carried out by spring next year.
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