New street team to tackle anti-social behaviour

A dedicated team aimed at making Rotherham's high streets safer and more welcoming has been launched as part of a £570,000 investment.

Rotherham Council said the uniformed team of 10 had the power to enforce public space protection orders to tackle anti-social behaviour such as street drinking, substance misuse and nuisance parking.

The scheme was initially being rolled out in town centre "hotspots", but would be extended to cover locations such as Dinnington, Wath, Maltby and Swinton in the future, the authority said.

Council leader Chris Read said: "Our new team are there to lend a hand, point people in the right direction and to take action against the minority who can put other people off."

Read said the initiative was not just about enforcement, but about "restoring pride and trust" in public spaces.

"We're acting on what our communities have told us - that feeling safe and visible support matters - as part of the changes we're making to support our local high streets," he said.

"We want Rotherham to feel safe and welcoming for everyone."

The council said the Street Safe team was an example of its commitment to revitalising the borough's high streets.

Paul Murphy, community protection manager and team lead, said: "We're pleased that we're on the ground and already making a difference.

"The Street Safe team is all about giving people confidence that our high streets are safe, welcoming places to visit and enjoy."

Meanwhile, the council said that £20m secured from the government's Pathfinder funding would be used towards the redevelopment of Dinnington and Wath, where demolition of existing buildings would start in the next couple of months to make way for new facilities.

In Maltby, an £800,000 package of investment would see works to improve public spaces along the high street in early 2026, the authority said.

Businesses in those areas and in Swinton were set to benefit from the council's shop unit grants, intended to support local retailers and other businesses, a spokesperson said.

It followed ongoing investment in Rotherham town centre which had seen the delivery of the £47m leisure hub Forge Island, they added.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North