Cross contained 10,000 houses, which were home to a total of 50,000 people, one-tenth of Sheffield's entire population, and together with the Shiregreen estate formed "Sheffield 5", Europe’s largest social housing conurbation. For the first families moving on to Parson Cross, it was a working-class paradise. Most had experienced only multi-occupancy terraced dwellings, and the chance to have one's own house, with indoor bathroom and toilet and front and back gardens was something previously unimaginable, especially after the dark years of World War II and the extra industrial responsibility this laid on the shoulders of the local industries. Those who did not go to war had worked long hard hours in cramped and often dangerous conditions, providing the backbone to the war effort. Welders, platers and grinders provided munitions of all shapes and sizes, and many female steelworkers, filled the gaps the men had left. Even the heavy industry of the rolling mills and forges continued. After the war, the wives of Parson Cross turned their hands to the bakeries (Fletchers and Sunblest) and confectionery (Bachelors and Bassetts). Many continued working in the steel industry, although most of the skilled work went back to the men, and the women picked up the more routine roles. Many of the children born in the immediate post-war years, were the first phase of Baby Boomers. For these families Parson cross was an idyll. First-class social housing, blending into a lush green belt. In September 1955, the Parish Council expressed interest in acquiring certain sites for “allotment purposes”. The estate is referred to as “Ecclesfield Parson Cross” by the architect. Site A Mansell Rd West Side of street, in centre. Site B Knutton Crescent, north side of eightfoot walking towards Chaucer Rd Site C Knutton Rd behind Margetson Shops (now SOAR Works) Site D Adlington Rd, North of Deerlands Ave junction. Site E, Holgate Crescent, North of Deerlands Ave junction. Site F, Rokeby Rd, Just east of junction with Turie Avenue. Site G, Colley Crescent, NE of Rokeby Drive junction Site H, Monteney Rd, South side of street at Wordsworth Avenue end. Site J, North side of street at Morrall Rd end In the following exchange of letters, it was suggested that, rather than allotment sites, they should be used for the construction of garages. Site B was suggested as a children’s playground site. Sheffield Corporation asked if they could acquire Site C for