Graves Park Ward – Community First Manifesto

Putting Residents Back at the Heart of Decisions

Graves Park Ward is one of the most valued and distinctive parts of Sheffield.

Full statement

From its green spaces to its strong community spirit, it deserves leadership that listens, protects, and delivers.
This campaign is built on a simple promise: local people come first.

1. Protecting Our Quality of Life
   Residents deserve to feel proud of where they live. That means tackling the everyday issues that affect daily life:

• Safer streets – Working with police and local groups to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve community safety
• Cleaner neighbourhoods – Prioritising street cleaning, tackling fly-tipping, and improving waste services
• Smarter traffic solutions – Addressing congestion, speeding, and unsafe junctions with practical, locally informed measures
  Our goal: A cleaner, safer, and more liveable Graves Park Ward for everyone.

2. Defending the Character of Our Area
   Graves Park Ward is unique – and that must be protected.

• Opposing overdevelopment that erodes green space or local identity
• Ensuring planning decisions respect the history and character of our communities
• Protecting valued public spaces for future generations
  Our commitment: No change without respect for what makes our area special.

3. Real Community Voice in Council Decisions
   Too many residents feel decisions are made about them, not with them.

• Introducing genuine public consultation on major local decisions
• Giving residents a stronger voice in planning and development
• Ensuring local concerns are heard early—not ignored until it’s too late
  Our promise: You will be listened to—and your views will matter.

4. Restoring Trust and Transparency
   Trust in the council has been damaged by secrecy and unclear decision-making.

• Ending “behind closed doors” decisions wherever possible
• Publishing clear, accessible information on council plans and land use
• Holding decision-makers accountable to residents
  Our pledge: Open, honest, and accountable local government.

5. Protecting Our Public Assets – Especially Graves Park
   Our parks and public land belong to the community—not to private interests.

• Defending publicly owned land from inappropriate sale or privatisation
• Ensuring Graves Park is protected, properly maintained, and accessible to all
• Establishing clear safeguards on how public land can be used
  Our position: Public land must stay public.

6. Resolving the Norton Nurseries Dispute
   The ongoing situation at Norton Nurseries has caused deep concern and division.

• Calling for a fair, transparent resolution
• Ensuring all decisions are made in the public interest
• Bringing the community into the process to rebuild trust
  Our aim: A solution that respects both the community and the long-term future of the site.

7. No to Asset Stripping – Yes to Investment
   Residents are right to be concerned about the future of local assets.

• Opposing the sell-off of community land and facilities
• Pushing for proper investment in maintenance and improvement
• Ensuring long-term planning, not short-term financial decisions
  Our belief: You don’t fix finances by selling off the future.

8. Investing in What Matters
   Neglect costs more in the long run. We will:

• Fight for better funding for parks, roads, and public spaces
• Ensure maintenance is proactive—not reactive
• Support community-led initiatives that improve the area
  Our focus: Sustainable investment that benefits everyone.

A Fresh Start for Graves Park Ward
This manifesto is about restoring balance:

• Between development and protection
• Between the council and the community
• Between short-term decisions and long-term wellbeing
  Together, we can protect what matters and build a better future for Graves Park Ward.

Protecting our ward, restoring trust, and standing up for our community.