Friday, 4 March 2011

Korea and China lead the steel city hosted Speed Skating Championships

Female racers line up for the short track race in Sheffield (11/3/11)
The World Short Track Speed Skating Championships 2011 took place in Sheffield, this weekend at the Sheffield Motorsport Arena ice rink. A total of 31 countries took part and more than 200 racers competed; Korea and China were most dominant, with skaters earning both the ladies’ and men’s titles.

With tight turns and short straights, there was always plenty of excitement during every race and a great opportunity for people to see the world’s best speed skaters. 
The weekend kicked off with the 1500 meter competition. Katherine Reutter took the win for the United States, finishing ahead of a pair of Korean skaters: Seung-Hi Park (second) and Ha-Ri Cho (third). On the men’s side, Noh took on challenge by taking the first of three individual wins of the championships for Korea.

Saturday’s program displayed the 500 meter events for the ladies and men. Three Chinese skaters and one Italian skater made it to the final in the ladies event. Kexin Fan took the win, ahead of Arianna Fontana of Italy. On the men' side, American skater Simon Cho took the win.

These championships finished on Sunday with skaters competing in the 1000 meters, 3000 meters Super Finals and relay events for both the ladies and men. In the ladies’ 1000 meter event, Ha-Ri Cho took the win, for Korea. In the men’s 1000 meter event, eventual championship winner Noh took his second distance win of the weekend. Charles Hamelin took second place, while Liang of China took third.  

By Rob Weitz

Thursday, 3 March 2011

Woodhouse residents welcome new order to stop nuisance drunken behaviour.

Residents of Woodhouse welcome a drinking ban after a 50% increase of anti social behaviour in one month.

The DPPO which covers the area in-between Chapel street, Tannery street, Tithe Barn Lane and the Recreation Ground gives police officers the power to confiscate alcohol if a person is seen to be a nuisance or causing annoyance to the public and if needs be arrest the person concerned.


This order does not make it an offence to drink alcohol in the designated area however failing to give up the alcohol or comply with the requirements of the police officers is an arrestable offence.
Other penalties include a penalty notice for disorder (PND) £50 or
Arrest and prosecution fine with a maximum of £500.


Woodhouse councillor Jackie Saturn said ‘Alcohol related issues have been a nuisance for residents in Woodhouse for some time with a small but partisan problem with youths and a very small number of alcoholics who congregate in the village centre intimidating local people.’

Within the woodhouse area in December there has been 117 reports of anti social behaviour in rising to 182 in January.

The aim of the DPPO is to increase the public’s use of the area, reduce petty crime and make local residence feel safer.

Councillor Mick Rooney said ‘the issue of alcohol induced ASB has been an issue. It only involves a small number of people but has a disproportionate affect on the quality of life of local residents. We are sending out a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.’

By Lauren Davies