WE WENT to The Rolling Stones concert last week in Sheffield. The band arrived at the stadium by helicopter. I half expected Keith Richards to yell: 'Hello Dallas.' He had no idea where he was.
Whilst I was impressed by the Stones I was absolutely knocked out by the City of Sheffield. It was fantastic. They may have lost much of their industry but not their heritage. All around the town centre are stunning sculptures and artefacts of Sheffield's worldwide prominence in steel production.
If you haven't been recently, then go. Take a look at the wonderful Winter Gardens or the magnificent Peace Gardens situated right outside the town hall.
The city streets are patrolled by City Ambassadors who share an office with the Community Action Team to ensure a really swift flow of information. They guarantee to remove graffiti within 48 hours and there is absolutely no consumption of alcohol permitted on city streets.
Litter picking starts at 8am each day, with all the public parks and recreation areas given priority. Sheffield is taking pride in its appearance... and it shows.
Okay, they've spent a lot of money, but it's not just about funding. It's an attitude of mind accompanied by some very creative thinking.
Take a look at the works of art around Sheffield city centre and compare them to the obscure piece of junk masquerading as a sculpture in front of Macclesfield bus station. No amount of funding would turn that into a work of art. I've yet to meet anyone who knows what it is.
Macclesfield and Cheshire County councillors should take a trip to Sheffield and see what's been achieved in a city with a grim reputation. Then ask themselves why local ratepayers can't get no satisfaction?
- THE views expressed on this page are those of Vic Barlow and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Express.
