Storm brews with St Luke's back on agenda

6.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 30th Aug 2008

THE political row over the proposed relocation of St Luke's Hospice in Sheffield is likely to surface again next week.

In a council motion, ruling Liberal Democrats are underlining the "positive way forward" that has resulted in the former Bluestones Infant School next to Norfolk Park being identified as a potential site.

By contrast they are pointing to the "damaging and unhelpful episode" that was created by the previous Labour administration when plans to use Norton Nurseries were explored.

The debate is scheduled for a meeting of the full council on Wednesday when Lib Dem leader Paul Scriven will emphasise commitments to St Luke's and to protecting parks from development.

One of the Lib Dems' first declarations after they took control of the council last May was to make clear their opposition to St Luke's moving from Ecclesall to the nurseries next to Graves Park.

Coun Scriven is accusing Labour of "still showing resistance" to the Bluestones option, which will be explored in a cabinet report. He is also promising to consult local people.

Initial Labour concerns over the possibility of a hospice on the Bluestones site have centred around the loss of land for potential housing development, which would generate money for the council.

Sheffield Telegraph