'Billy and Belinda' tackle road safety issues in the south of the borough

Councillors and neighbourhood staff in Brinsworth and Catcliffe ward visited Howarth Primary School to discuss ways of addressing inconsiderate and dangerous parking outside their school.

Councillors Alan Buckley, Adam Carter and Nigel Simpson met with the head teacher, Mrs Crawford, and the School Council, and set a competition open to all pupils, to provide designs for four ‘Billy and Belinda’ bollards.

The bollards are in the shape of children and are designed to raise awareness to motorists who are driving near the school. Not only do they prevent cars mounting the pavement to park, they also act as a mechanism to slow them down, making outside school a safer place.

Read more about Billy and Belinda bollards in Brinsworth and Catcliffe, Wales and Dinnington wards.

A new lease of life for St John's Green, Kimberworth

Over the past two years partnership working between the Council and key local stakeholders has seen a transformation of St John's Green in Kimberworth Park.

Councillors Sarah Allen, Rob Elliott and John Williams worked with police, the local tenants' and residents' association, St John's Church and local shopkeepers to create an attractive new green space.

Following the demolition of an old housing office building, antisocial behaviour and crime levels have dropped significantly. The work is now complete, and there have been many positive comments on the new look of the area.

Read the full story here

A walk through history in Swinton and Kilnhurst

Councillors in Swinton ward have organised a series of ‘gentle’ walks for residents around the Swinton and Kilnhurst area. These local walks are aimed at all age groups and will be no more than two to three miles distance.

The first walk, titled the ‘Rockingham Explorer’ left the Kings Head pub, Rockingham Road at 10.30 am on Wednesday 31 July. Residents were given a rare opportunity to access the inside of the Waterloo Kiln at Pottery Ponds, where the world famous Rockingham pottery was manufactured, and hear a very informative history talk.

Find out more

Working to reduce loneliness and social isolation

Residents in Wickersley ward were paid a visit by a legion of doorknockers at the start of June in a bid to combat loneliness and social isolation.

‘The Big Rotherham Door Knock’ campaign, organised by Wickersley ward members, saw a 39-strong multi-agency team knocking on 321 doors in the Flanderwell area, to have a conversation about how residents feel about their area. 

Elsewhere, in Sitwell ward, councillors are supporting the Letsbfriend initiative, supporting people over 65 years old by connecting them with volunteers who visit them every week!

Read more about efforts to reduce social isolation in Wickersley and Sitwell wards.