Zest

A community partnership to drive out serious crime, promote pride and improve the lives of local people has launched in Sheffield.

Local people rallied together at a public meeting yesterday to show their support for the initiative which aims to create a thriving, safe and welcoming neighbourhood for the people of Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe to live, work and grow up in. In attendance were Local Councillors Tom Hunt and Laura McClean, Zest CEO Matt Dean, South Yorkshire Police Superintendent Paul Ferguson, and Matthew Clay, Director of Policing and Reform for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined authority.

The move follows a number of gun related incidents in the area one of which resulted in the death of a local man.

Now, a new initiative, Upperthorpe & Netherthorpe Together has been tasked to build a better community for everyone.

Stakeholders include local community charity, Zest, Sheffield City Council officers and elected members, South Yorkshire Police and community organisations.

Police have already conducted a series of raids resulting in 10 arrests. Drugs, mobile phones, jewellery, thousands of pounds in cash and shotgun cartridges have been recovered during operations.

Four people were charged and remanded to court between October and December 2025 while the activity has already led to jail terms totalling more than 19 years.

Detective Superintendent Diane Johnson, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “We are working closely with our partner agencies to build on the work that has been happening in Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe.

“Results so far are encouraging, but we have been unable to communicate them until now because of the impact it would have had on operational effectiveness.

“Our activity has led to the disruption of what we believe to be four active drug lines in the area and it’s important that everyone now comes together to make this project a lasting success.

“That means we will continue to rely on you – the people of Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe – to submit information to our teams which will help us act as robustly as possible.”

While police action to rid the area of violent crime is important it is just one part of the plan to revitalise the area and help people become invested in their communities.

Matt Dean, Zest CEO said: “Upperthorpe & Netherthorpe Together is about standing with our community and making a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming neighbourhood for everyone.”

To celebrate a community action week is planned in the weeks ahead where locals will be able to get involved in proactive activities. Litter picking, community events designed to engage the public and a local awards ceremony celebrating people and the place they live are just some of the activities on the agenda.

Cllr Kurtis Crossthorn, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee with Sheffield City Council, said:

“We want every person in Sheffield to live a safe and fulfilling life. Everyone should have the opportunity to live in a neighbourhood they feel secure in and within a community they belong to.

“The work being done in partnership with South Yorkshire Police as part of a wider initiative aims to reduce crime and help protect local residents and I am really pleased the first phase has been such a success.

“Hopefully this initiative, alongside all the other great work taking place to create safer communities across the city, will help make residents feel safer and happier in their local neighbourhood.”

Anyone with information about criminality in Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe, including drug supply, is being urged to report to police online, or call 101.

Some people will not want to deal directly with police. If you’d rather report a crime completely anonymously it’s easy. Just speak to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 111 555 or visit their website here: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

This is a completely confidential service and no one will know you have contacted them.

Yesterday’s event gave locals the opportunity to raise their concerns directly with representatives of Upperthorpe & Netherthorpe Together. If you missed the opportunity to have your say a second event is planned for Tuesday 27th at the Zest Centre in Upperthorpe 10am to midday.

To find out more about the Upperthorpe & Netherthorpe Together plan to revitalise the community and any future events please go to the Zest website https://www.zestcommunity.co.uk/upperthorpe-netherthorpe-together.co.uk