Sheffield - Handsworth and Darnall

Following on from my detour through Aston I decided I may as well complete the trip down memory lane and follow the road towards Handsworth, Sheffield. The road from Swallownest through Fence (I don't remember a sign announcing 'Fence' when I travelled this road as a teenager) and Woodhouse Mill and up towards Handsworth has not changed a great deal, a few more crude housing developments far more parked cars and a far busier road. I of course can remember the trams running to Handsworth terminus and once at the terminus passengers having to tilt the back rests in the opposite direction ready for the return journey.

As we travelled through Handsworth a depressingly familiar inner city environment enveloped us; the result of inept planning, lack of vision and sheer neglect. As we proceeded towards Darnall the neglect became even more apparent.

Circa 1980 my grandmother was forced to relocate to a local authority flat on an awful development amongst the myriad of awful developments that is 'new' Handsworth. This was brought about when the local authority decided to demolish the terraced houses on Beighton Street and Langley Street. No doubt the local authority had 'grand designs' for the area but I recall that after the houses were finally demolished the cobbled streets were gradually reclaimed by escaped vegetation as saplings fought for the open skies. But my most lasting memory is that of the street lights; for whatever reason, they had escaped demolition and were somewhat eerily still providing light. One can only assume the authorities were obliged to light up the way in order the ghosts of Beighton and Langley streets should have safe passage across the newly created wastelands of Darnall.

It is now 2005 and the area is still to be redeveloped. The loss of community is so overwhelming, I could not muster enough enthusiasm to photograph the dereliction. Maybe next time. As we drove on it became apparent the only real change was the road junction at Darnall; it is wider, grander, more pervasive, but most of all, as congested as ever. The planners have an awful lot to answer for.