Residents Propose "Pocket Park" to Tackle Anti-Social Behavior in Sheffield

For the past decade, residents in Sheffield's Norfolk Park area have been plagued by a range of anti-social behaviors and threats of violence outside their homes. A small triangular site behind the city's railway station has become a "free-for-all" for dangerous driving, drug use, and dealing, according to local residents.

In response, the Friends of Skyeline Park group has proposed redeveloping this "no-go zone" into a public park. The plan involves closing a section of South Street to reduce the number of exit routes for the nuisance drivers and create a safer, more welcoming space for the community.

"It's about opening up the space for all sorts of people to enjoy who currently can't enjoy it - families, people doing exercise, walkers, cyclists, whatever," said Sam Gregory, a member of the working group. The group believes the area, which offers "one of the most iconic views in Yorkshire," is currently "massively underutilized" and only accessible to those engaging in the problematic activities.

To address the issue, the local council has taken various measures, including installing CCTV, organizing extra police patrols, and even funding a police drone to monitor the area. However, residents claim that the anti-social behavior resumes as soon as the authorities leave. The proposed pocket park is seen as a more sustainable solution to reclaim the space for the community.