Office plan rejected as public votes for fields

Ruling Liberal Democrat councillors in Sheffield recently approved plans which could pave the way for a construction project at the Crystal Peaks shopping centre, near Beighton.

The scheme could also see the existing bus station moved, but residents have opposed the scheme, and are particularly upset over the loss of the playing fields.

A meeting was held by Sheffield's Labour councillors at the nearby Rainbow Forge Primary School at which a "clear message" was given by the people at the meeting.

Coun Bryan Lodge, who speaks for the Labour group on green and open spaces, said: "Clearly this is not a suitable use for this site and the only people who can say what is are the local community.

"Its obvious we need to talk about the site as a whole.

"Let's get everything stopped now and go back to the drawing board. This is something we need to talk about with local people."

Residents and footballers who use the playing fields say they have been in use by the community for 50 years, while groups representing the elderly claim changes to the bus station are unacceptable.

MP Clive Betts was scathing in his criticism of the scheme yesterday, and said: "The Liberal Democrats should now ditch these plans. It is clear they are simply trying to sell-off assets.

"The council should now properly consider, in consultation with local people, what needs to happen to develop Crystal Peaks for the benefit of all. There are plenty of other suitable locations for offices and the existing bus station could easily be refurbished."

Leading Lib Dem councillors have claimed the Crystal Peaks scheme was originally proposed by their Labour predecessors and have vowed that the playing fields will not be sold unless a local alternative is found.