Regeneration consultation for Kelham and Neepsend branded "waste of time"

An angry business owner has claimed his garage will become "near impossible" for customers to access because of new regeneration plans for parts of Sheffield.

With an ongoing consultation due to end on the 23rd of March, residents were encouraged to email the council if they oppose the plans.

Many businesses in the area rely on HGV and lorry traffic for their trade. Such vehicles would struggle to get around smaller roads.

Matthew Swindle runs P&W services, a car repair shop located on Neepsend Lane. His business relies on customers driving into his garage. He claimed his road would be blocked off, if the plans go ahead, making access to his shop near impossible.

Mr Swindle said: “The only way to get to us would be through back streets, which are minor roads. Our customers will have to drive a big detour around the block to get to our garage because it’s one-way streets everywhere.”

Plans for Kelham, Neepsend and West Bar were first introduced in 2021 as part of Sheffield’s wider objective to improve cycle, pedestrian, and public transport routes.

The idea is to rethink traffic in Neepsend and Kelham by transforming busy roads into bus gates and pedestrian and cycle routes only, moving vehicle traffic onto secondary roads.

Kelham resident, Sarah Walker, said: “The presentation is a waste of time because no matter what, the council will do what it wants.”

Both Ms Walker and Mr Swindle agree parts of the plans would be good for the area, including the introduction of pedestrian crossings.

Ms Walker said: “Crossing Neepsend lane, you take your life in your hands because drivers race down.”

The council sent an initial letter in 2021 informing residents of the plans.

Mr Swindle’s daughter, Dana, who runs Rex Market in Neepsend, said: “Two years after the initial letter, people assumed the plans had fizzled out, but businesses are now receiving letters explaining the updates. A lot of us have sent emails but no one has received a response.”

The council was contacted for comment but has not yet responded.