Our Banner Cross Neighbourhood Group has now been going for ten years. From a small protest group brought together to fight a planning application, we have grown into a substantial force in the area with a membership of 400.
This annual gathering gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved and to see what we are involved in now.
Please come and join us. Refreshments will be provided.
In other news
Criminal Activity
We seem to be going through a bad patch for criminal activity in our area. In the Banner Cross / Brincliffe locality, there have been a number of burglaries, attempted burglaries and thefts recently. One day this week, at 4.00am, a youth was caught on video around Brincliffe Edge trying car doors. He stole from one that had been left unlocked.
Meanwhile, there is more activity in Ecclesall. At the last Ecclesall Forum, the visiting PCSO Adrian Tolson gave an update on events during August and the beginning of September (see below). Anecdotally, such behaviour is continuing so it’s all the more important than usual to safeguard your property and be extra vigilant. And if you are unlucky enough to suffer from a criminal act (or an attempted one), make sure you report it even if you don’t think it’s important. Patterns will emerge which will then prompt greater police attention.
There is one activity which needs to be stopped! There is a small group of youths going round on motor scooters (usually 3 of them on 2 scooters). You can spot them because they wear white helmets. If you see them make a note of time and place and if you have a dashcam press the ‘protect’ button and take a photo. There is good reason to believe that they have been involved in thefts.
21/8 – late report, attempt house burglary on Blair Athol Road, Ecclesall, owner discovered damage to door lock however no entry gained.
23/8 – house burglary on Springfield Road, Millhouses, rear window smashed to gain entry in the early evening, various items taken.
25/8 – theft from motor vehicle overnight on Whirlowdale Road, no damage to vehicle.
28/8 – attempted burglary on Dobcroft Road early evening, eurolock snapped on rear door however property not entered, may have been deterred by alarm?
28/8 – burglary overnight on Mylnhurst Road, Ecclesall, house under renovation, rear patio door lock snapped, various tools taken from property.
30/8 Ecclesall Road, unlocked unattended van taken from outside a shop, recovered later using tracker.
31/8 Whirlow Court Road, 2 pedal bikes left unattended at side of house between 4 and 4.30, stolen.
4/9 Attempt theft from shed, Greystones Drive, 2 males seen attempting to force door around 08:35 in the morning, no entry gained.
4/9 Theft from shed on Marsh House Road, Ecclesall, 2 pedal bikes taken during day.
Gilders Development
This week, we had notice from a member that something was happening at the old Gilder’s site at Banner Cross. She had spoken to a workman to ask about the proposed gym which is due to open eventually behind the glass-fronted first floor space. He told her that there had been a change and that it was now going to be a Tesco Express. We contacted the planning officer who said he knew nothing about it so we can only assume that it is just an unfounded rumour.
However, it’s best to be aware of what’s happening. Residents on Talmont Road are seeing a level of activity on the site that they believe does not comply with the work that has been permitted pending full approval and is going beyond the restrictions the developers are meant to observe.
If you hear anything about this development, please let us know. It has been fairly quiet for some months and that is often a sign that something is about to happen.
Flu jabs
The news today has carried an item about the increased availability of the annual flu jab this year. Something like 30 million people will receive it.
If you are having trouble making an appointment with your doctor or you don’t want to take up your GP Practice’s time, remember that pharmacies also give the jab. The pharmacy in the grounds of the Hollies practice on St. Andrew’s Road can give jabs on Wednesdays and Thursdays. You can just walk in and ask for it but it’s best to phone first on 0114 2555937.
Bents Green Community Day
The Bents Green Community Day will be taking place on Saturday, 12 October between 11.00am – 4.00pm at Bents Green Methodist Church.
There will be stalls and activities etc. Everyone is welcome.
Viv Lockwood
Secretary, Banner Cross Neighbourhood Group