Sheffield street improvements could create up to 400 jobs

Up to 400 jobs could be created over the next five years as part of a £2bn programme to improve Sheffield's streets.

The council said the main contractors, Amey, could employ 170 people for the first phase; improving roads, footpaths and street lights.

Steve Robinson, head of highway maintenance, said 50-150 new jobs could also be created in the supply chain.

Many of the jobs would be in place by early 2013, Mr Robinson said.

The state of the roads has been the number one issue for residents and businesses for years, the council said.

Local companies

As part of the work, all 68,000 of Sheffield's street lights would be replaced with white LED lights pointing at the ground rather than into the sky, he added.

Trees and kerbs will also be improved and a further 1,000 litter bins are planned for the city.

Some of the bins are designed to send a message to council workers when they need emptying, while other bins thank people for putting rubbish in them.

Shiregreen and Ewden will be the first places in the city to benefit from the works, due to start in September, with the rest of the work taking place over time in different areas of the city.

The £2bn will also be used to maintain the new roads, footpaths and street lighting over a 25-year period.

The council said 18,000 pieces of street furniture would be replaced and that much of it would come from South Yorkshire companies, such as Sheffield Brass Founders near Attercliffe.