Craig Gamble Pugh

12/08/2026

I've been worrying about who would pick up the litter-picking mantle.

I know that Jai and his team at MJ's Local work hard at keeping the precinct litter free.

But it's nice to see the Green candidate in the Southey by election litter picking around Wheata Road and St Paul's Church, Wordsworth Avenue.

What a shame he doesn't know that this is in East Ecclesfield ward not Southey.

Also he pronounces Southey wrong. (It's Sow-thee, not South-ee)

08/08/2026

Congratulations to everyone involved in organising this visit for the Council Leader, and the Leader of the Green group.

Fran Belbin, from Labour, and Angela Argenzio of the not-so-Greens, need to understand the impact these proposals would have on our area.

But there will also be an impact for them.

Hopefully they will act soon.

It must be becoming increasing clear to them that unless there is a change of course soon, the loss of just a few more Labour seats would cut Fran's tenure as Leader rather short.

That could well result in Angela becoming Leader if the Greens become the party with most councillors.

So whilst the potential loss of Townend Farm would mean worsening food security, at least the visit gives food for thought

It's not often you get both the current and future Leaders visiting on the same day.

31/07/2026

Don't Panic! Fire crew have been out to check out a smouldering firepit/ brazier on Church Street in Ecclesfield which had continued to smoke despite the owner thinking they'd extinguisher it with water.

Fire officers on site told me that in these tinder dry conditions a tiny ember could set the grasses, trees and undergrowth ablaze.

Thanks to them for the work they're doing to keep us safe.

Be extra careful at the minute, stay safe everyone 🙏

22/07/2026

Thanks you to everyone who signed the petition to get Station Road, Chapeltown, resurfaced. Good to see work has started.

06/06/2026

🎉 Facebook recognized me as a consistent post creator this week!

Over ten years as a councillor, many people called me consistent. Things like: "You're a total consistent" they'd say. Or at least I *think* that's what they said 😁

29/05/2026

Many people have asked me what the latest is on the proposed inclusion of greenbelt sites in the Local Plan.

The next steps will be:
Final report from the Planning Inspectorate (possibly June)
Final proposed plan will be put to a vote of Councillors (Possibly July)

There are two crucial questions which could alter how it plays out:
1) Will the council administration/ leadership decide to change course? Thry could decide, even if the Inspectors find the plan legally sound, to listen to the overwhelming views of the public and find another way forward
2) If the proposals go to the vote, will any councillors vote against their party's agreed position?

(I will do another post on the maths of the voting numbers over the weekend)

Crucially, if Council votes to approve the plan, there is then a 6 week period in which a legal challenge can be mounted.

The Greenbelt Alliance and Save Chapeltown, Ecclesfield and Grenoside's Green Belt are fundraising for the legal costs- donate if you can.

💚 Thank you, and we need your help, right now.

First, to everyone who has already donated, thank you. We're so grateful. Your generosity has made a real difference and is helping us prepare for what's ahead.

We're preparing for the crucial Council vote, and to give our Green Belt the strongest possible defence we've taken on the very best legal support we can. But legal costs are high, and we need to raise more funds quickly so our team can keep working in the run-up to the vote. It's essential we fundraise now, because we have to submit the legal challenge (in full) within 6 weeks of the vote.

We're raising funds for our own area, and as part of the wider Sheffield Green Belt Alliance, standing together to protect green spaces right across the city.

Every single donation makes a difference. Whether it's £5 or £50, it all goes directly towards protecting the green spaces we love in Chapeltown, Ecclesfield and Grenoside. 🌳

👉 Please donate here: https://www.saveourgreenbelt.net/donate
If you're able to give a larger amount, please contact us directly so we can arrange it with you and make sure you get confirmation. 💚

To those who've already given, and to everyone joining us now, thank you. Together, we really can make a difference.

28/05/2026

Great to be at the Ecclesfield Together AGM this evening at The Stocks Ecclesfield.

Hearing Tracey's report of the past year showed how much this group have achieved, with amazing community events including for VE Day, Haloween and Christmas.

The Heritage Trail is s real asset to our area.

Great work also bringing together locsl businesses and community groups to network and collaborate.

Proud to be a part of it. Thanks to all the volunteers ###

Monteney & Ecclesfield Tenants and Residents Association
Save Chapeltown, Ecclesfield and Grenoside's Green Belt
Ecclesfield community group
Ecclesfield Priory Players Productions
Ecclesfield in Bloom
Ecclesfield Library
Ecclesfield Handbell Ringers
Polka Dott

21/05/2026

As many of you will have seen on Sheffield social media, today there was a hugely significant meeting.

That's right, it was the Monteney & Ecclesfield Tenants and Residents Association Committee Meeting.

Myself and other committee members were planning the community Barbecue coming up a week on Saturday.

However, we need HELP! The grass outside the community room was cut this week but has left huge piles of cuttings.

Is there any very kind, community minded, gardeners* who might be able to lend a hand and neaten this up ready for the bouncy castle, games and burgers?

*perhaps who drink in The Stocks Ecclesfield?