ROTHERHAM man Steve Alport has made his own choices and is living with them. He took only his own counsel and has only himself to blame for the fact that he now lives in what is little more than a hole in the ground, covering himself with quilts he scrounges from nearby homes.
He spends his time drinking on the street or at the homes of acquaintances. But he retains some self respect, insisting: "I'm not living like a rat - I'm doing the best I can."
The local council's officials are clearly frustrated, not least becaus
e Steve has not activated his option to be rehoused after falling behind with the rent on his flat.
However, his plight brings shame on a society which prides itself on its readiness to help and comfort those most desperately in need.
Of course, people must be allowed to live and learn by their own choices. In fact,t here is a school of thought that some individuals will only learn when they come face to face with the consequences of their own mistakes.
But there has to come a point where the state, which charitably provides money for Steve to survive, steps in and insists that it must be spent in a certain and responsible manner.
This is a case where intervention is the most charitable option.
Consultation shown to be a real option
PLAY time has finally returned to Sheffield's Endcliffe Park after a £300,000 makeover providing a stone and steel theme to reflect its woodland setting and the city's industrial heritage.
Once more, as is so often the case in the recent histories of Sheffield's much-treasured parks, it is a Friends group which has been largely instrumental in bringing about the transformation and they deserve the community's heartfelt thanks.
Encouragingly, the project comes about after extensive consultation. That is a word which is widely used these days and often masks failed attempts to engage the public. But on this occasion 500 adults and children were involved, showing that it is possible to consult in a meaningful manner.
READ MOREMain news indexYour lettersFeaturesSouth Yorkshire's environmental newsKids ZoneMore business newsMore Rotherham newsMore Doncaster newsMore Barnsley newsLatest sport.The full article contains 380 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
