Back in 2020 a Birley resident found whilst out walking a plague on a stone that was put by the Lady Mayoress Elsie Richards in 1976 to commemorate the planting of trees in the area.

Her husband was Albert Richardson who was a Councillor for Birley and Lord Mayor for Sheffield.

The plaque was lost within overgrown subarray.

Birley Ward councillors agreed to move the plaque to a more suitable place, so that part of the local area’s history would not be forgotten.

They found a more suitable place for it, by a bench in Jaunty Park, but just as the plaque was to be relocated it was stolen!

Following this Labour Birley Ward Councillors stepped in to fund the costs of the replacement plaque.

Birley Ward Councillor Karen McGowan: 

“It’s incredibly disappointing that the plaque had been stolen. It had sat there for 40 years undiscovered and then someone has nicked it, and for what? Likely just a couple of quid in scrap

“It may only be a small thing, but preserving our local history is important and commemorative plaques play a part in this. More should be done to help any little nuggets of local history there are – and this is why Labour councillors have committed to paying for a new plaque to be created – mimicking exactly the one which was stolen – and it will be moved to a more suitable place.

“Jaunty park is a great open space and is used by many residents and having this plaque for all to see will be a nice addition”