A half-million-pound regeneration scheme for council homes that was promised to start in 2017 still hasn’t commenced.

As the Sheffield City Council housing system suffers from severe funding shortages, local residents of Gleadless Valley face long waits for necessary repairs and upgrades.

Resident Mrs. Sally Pedley has said: “It has taken far too long.” Similarly, Mr. John Parker said, “I feel like I have been waiting a lifetime. None of the Council seem to care; I don’t have any trust or faith in these people anymore.”

While some progress has been made, such as demolishing old sites and redeveloping public spaces, residents feel the main housing improvements have largely stalled.

Councillor Douglas Johnson, who oversees Sheffield housing, said: “The plan was set in place in 2017, but it took five years of consultation, which meant it wasn’t until 2022 that everything began.”

Due to inflation in construction costs, the original budget now doesn’t go half as far as it would have done in 2017.

Gleadless Valley, one of Sheffield’s largest housing estates, is home to approximately 10,000 residents living in flats and houses nestled within Sheffield’s picturesque hills.

Local tenant associations, such as GV TARA, are warning residents to avoid these companies and seek free assistance through volunteer-led services.

Matt, the Chair of GV TARA, wanted to reassure members of the community, saying: “We work on your behalf and have a proven record of getting your repairs completed at no cost whatsoever.”

Councillor Johnson said: “In 2022, we changed our plans for Gleadless to focus on the environment.”

Mrs. Sally Pedley said: “Doors aren’t closing properly; plastic is up against the walls to try and stop the dampness. It’s absolutely disgusting that people have to live like that.”

Councillor Johnson clarified that they do not want to demolish any houses until new ones are built for residents to move into.

He mentioned a new team is consulting on a games area and recreation ground, although they are still acclimating to the complexities of the original master plan.

Mr. John Parker further said: “It’s just not good enough.” Similarly to Mrs. Pedley, who said, “They still have a pot of money; they could be getting on with things.”

Sheffield City Council acknowledges the ongoing frustrations of Gleadless Valley residents regarding the stalled regeneration efforts but said that it could take several years for any new homes to materialize.

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