Leadmill campaign urges council leader to back fight to keep venue open

Organisers are being asked to “#TellTom” to back the Leadmill’s campaign to keep the venue running, adding that Mr Hunt has not yet taken a public stance on the takeover which it argues puts “decades of cultural heritage and history at risk”.

A spokesperson for The Leadmill said: “This isn’t just about The Leadmill. Everything that’s made our city what it is today is now at stake, but here’s the truth: The leader of our council is ignoring us. We’ve reached out to Tom by text, phone call, email and letter — and we’ve heard nothing.

“Tom, of all people, should know that this hostile takeover risks fundamentally and forever changing the course of our city, heritage, and culture. It may start with us at The Leadmill, but it goes much further than that. If we don’t stop this hostile takeover, the very soul and character of our great city is at risk. Tom needs to pick a side.

“There are 80 members of staff who are incredibly passionate about ensuring that The Leadmill is a top quality venue that provides a huge variety of entertainment to visitors from across the globe, but we are all so tired of the ongoing situation — time and energy is being spent on trying to retain our jobs and The Leadmill. Its history and its legacy is so important to Sheffield and to all of us working here.

“That’s why we’re asking you – the great people of Sheffield (and further afield!) to help us win this battle. It’s simple, easy and quick: we need you to #TellTom to back our campaign. Tom Hunt is the leader of Sheffield City Council and is accountable to you. He is elected by you, works for you, and represents you. He should have your best interests at heart.

“We need you to #TellTom how you feel about this hostile takeover and #TellTom to join us in this Battle for the Soul of Sheffield. You can #TellTom by email, letter or tweet him.”