Crookes Collective, a group of independent businesses working together to improve the Crookes area, have used council funding to install brightly coloured benches and planters along the high street.

The collective’s colourful initiative along Crookes high street has already received positive feedback from residents.

Crookes resident Kerri Marsh said: “They are brilliant, really brighten up the place and it’s so nice to give people the option to sit and chat out in the community.”

Local business owner and member of the Crookes Collective, Ellon Watts said: “We’re adding more benches, a community garden and just more green places around Crookes for the community that’s not right on the road.

“The Crookes Collective is all about connecting the brilliant independent businesses we have on the high street and really engaging with the community to improve Crookes for everyone.”

The Crookes Collective have been working for over a year to gain funding from the council’s Economic Recovery Fund, which they’re already putting towards improving the local area.

The ERF Project is a council fund that started post covid to help local businesses get back on their feet and the Crookes Collective is one of many Sheffield schemes who successfully applied for this funding.

The collective is working on putting in place more green spaces, street art and street furniture, as well as creating events throughout the year.

The Festival of Crookes, which will take place on May 11th and 12th hosting a series of pop-up shops, live music and activities, is their next big venture.

‘Small Plants’ shop owner Ellon Watts said: “I’m really looking forward to bringing some fun and a bit of vibrancy to celebrate everything we have in our wonderful neighbourhood.”

You can find out more about the upcoming Festival of Crookes and other events the Crookes Collective are holding here.