Cycle lane plans a waste of money, says MP

An MP has called on Sheffield City Council to scrap part of a major regeneration scheme, describing it as a "complete waste of money".

Work to improve access between Darnall and Attercliffe into the city centre and Meadowhall started in February, in a scheme called Connecting Sheffield. It will include cycle lanes as well as new crossing points and red lines prohibiting parking.

Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East, said part of the project in Attercliffe had caused businesses to lose customers on a "grand scale".

The city council said it would "continue to work closely with those affected to address concerns and help reduce the impact during construction".

The council aims to transform Attercliffe, planning to create up to 3,000 homes and 1,500 jobs in the area during the next 10 to 15 years.

Betts was particularly critical of the work to create cycle lanes through the area.

"What is the purpose of this particular lane?" he said.

"It's a cycle lane to nowhere. It goes to an aqueduct. It's not necessary.

"It's going to take up a chunk of the road and actually take away lots of parking space as well. And in the meantime, cause massive disruption to local businesses."

In May, business owners in Attercliffe said their takings were down since roadworks started in February with many concerned about what the future would bring.

Jodie works at FryMaster fish and chip takeaway, which has been located on Attercliffe Road for 20 years.

She said five months on, business was still "very quiet" and staff hours had been reduced.

"When we used to open the doors at 11:30, we'd have a queue outside and round the corner, whereas now when we open the doors sometimes we're lucky if one person comes in straight away," she said.

Betts said it "wasn't too late" for Sheffield City Council to stop the work in Attercliffe.

"It can be stopped tomorrow. The answer will come back that it's too far down the road," he said.

"The council - they delay, they dither, they push it back, and then eventually, say 'it's too late to change it'. No, it isn't. You can stop it now."

Nat Zimmermann, from the campaign group CycleSheffield, disagreed that the project would include a "cycle lane to nowhere".

"The disruption these works are causing is unfortunate, and I really feel for the local businesses that are losing customers," Zimmermann said.

"The council needs to do everything it can to minimise disruption and get the work finished as quickly as possible.

"We want businesses and residents in Attercliffe to start seeing the benefits of the scheme.

"But this isn't a cycle lane to nowhere.

"Connecting Sheffield will link the city centre with Attercliffe and Darnall, with connections to existing routes towards Meadowhall, Rotherham and the wider cycle network.

"The scheme isn't just about cycling. It will provide safer crossings and improved pavements for people walking and wheeling, as well as more reliable bus journeys."

Sheffield City Council said it would "review whether changes can be made to the permanent scheme to improve delivery access, customer parking and accessibility in the area".

The authority said: "Through the Connecting Sheffield: Darnall-Attercliffe-City Centre project, the council is improving streets to make them safer, greener and more welcoming.

"The changes aim to support regeneration, safer journeys and sustainable travel, giving people more choice in how they travel, whether walking, wheeling, cycling or travelling by bus.

"The project is about improving the area today while planning for how Darnall, Attercliffe and the Lower Don Valley will grow and change in the future.

"The project includes improved public realm and road crossings on Attercliffe High Street for those walking, wheeling and cycling.

"They are designed to provide better connections between growing housing, employment and leisure opportunities in Darnall, Attercliffe and the Lower Don Valley, the city centre and Meadowhall - helping make the area more attractive to live, work and invest in."

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