News

BARNSLEY’S local election count will be held the day after votes are cast next month after a box of postal ballots failed to be counted in 2021.Traditionally, votes are counted overnight after the polling stations close.However, during the elections on May 5, 2021, the council failed to count a box of postal ballot papers through ‘simple human error’.This year, voters will take to the polls to elect their local...

RESIDENTS in Barnsley are being urged to remember their ID when they go to vote next Thursday. Voters will need to show photo ID at polling stations before they can receive their ballot paper. Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a drivers’ licence, including provisional; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or disabled person’s pass; and the new free Voter Authority Certificate....

THE NHS in Barnsley has opened its booking system for Spring Covid-19 vaccinations.People aged 75 or over, and children and adults with a weakened immune system, can now book their spring Covid-19 vaccine to get protection with vaccination appointments starting from Monday.Dr David Crichton, chief medical officer at NHS South Yorkshire, said: “NHS staff have already been working hard this week to visit older adult care homes and eligible housebound patients...

FUNDING of up to £600,000 has been received by Barnsley Council to increase its domestic abuse services.The cash – from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – will go towards providing more immediate accommodation for victims in times of emergency.A council report said: “IDAS has plans to develop properties to accommodate people who cannot access the women’s refuge due to more complicated needs.“Length of time staying in...

HEALTH bosses are encouraging Barnsley residents to get a ‘peace of mind’ check if they notice anything unusual which could be an early sign or symptom of cancer.The Cancer Alliance’s new campaign launched this month and is aimed at giving people ‘peace of mind’ by getting themselves checked out without delay.Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival.However, many people hesitate in seeking medical advice due...

DOES your pooch deserve a bit of pampering? Local students are offering to do it for free!Wigfield Farm are appealing for owners to take their dogs along for grooming.Dogs will be used for student training and assessment purposes therefore there will be no charge for this service. The breeds needed are Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Maltipoo, other small poodle mix types, toy/miniature poodle, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Border terrier (hand strip), Border...

BARNSLEY Hospice has opportunities for volunteers in a number of roles.A hospice spokesperson said: “Volunteers are a huge part of Barnsley Hospice and have been since we opened 30 years ago. If you'd like to dedicate some of your time and expertise to support us, we have a variety of roles currently open:"The roles available are volunteer ward assistant, volunteer befriender, fundraising community event volunteer, fundraising public collections volunteer and volunteer...

BARNSLEY Council has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging residents to speak up on safeguarding.Locals are being asked to speak to a member of the council’s team if you think someone’s being mistreated, neglected, harmed or is struggling with hoarding.Anyone can raise a safeguarding concern, whether it’s about yourself, a loved one, a friend, a neighbour or someone you work with.Wendy Lowder, executive director for place health and...

SOUTH Yorkshire Police’ fraud team are warning people who are buying tickets for gigs, festivals, football matches and more to look out for the tell-tale signs of ticket fraud.When you miss out on tickets for an event you desperately wanted to go to, it can be tempting to turn to social media, online marketplaces or fan forums to ensure you don’t miss out.Unfortunately, police say that some people who venture down...

FIVE candidates will be standing for South Yorkshire Mayor election on May 2 which will run alongside this year’s local election.In South Yorkshire the functions of the mayor and those of the elected Police and Crime Commissioner are being brought together into the single role of Mayor of South Yorkshire.As a result, the term of the current elected Mayor of South Yorkshire has been shortened by two years, bringing the election...

A NEW support group for residents who have been affected by cancer is set to launch later this month.The first session will take place at 2pm on April 16, at the Barnsley Healthcare Federation’s Priory Campus on Pontefract Road, Lundwood.A spokesperson for the federation said: “This group is for all carers, loved ones, relatives, and friends of those living with cancer, and affected by cancer.“The group is also open...

CHARITIES are being invited to apply for a stall at a charity market in Hoyland.The event at Hoyland Market on Tuesday May 28, will give animal welfare charities a free platform to reach a wider audience.A second charity market planned for September will be open to all charities.Applications are open for the May event, where our regular Tuesday stalls will also be trading.The council is also encouraging...

BARNSLEY Council is offering residents with learning disabilities the chance to shape future plans.An event will be held on April 11 at the Metrodome from 10.30am until 2.30pm. The My Big Voice event will allow people with learning disabilities and their loved ones to share their views on what the council can do to support them.Wendy Lowder, executive director for place health and adult social care, said: “In Barnsley, we’re committed...

LOW Valley will have its first polling station since 2021 at this year’s local elections.The polling station locations for May’s elections have now been confirmed following public consultation.The Sportsman Inn, on Pitt Street, will be used for the election.Darfield Valley Methodist Church closed its doors in 2021, meaning residents were forced to travel further to other polling stations.Meanwhile, High View Primary School in Wombwell will not be...

RESIDENTS in the Dearne are being encouraged to attend a skills and employability event in Goldthorpe later this month.Taking place between 9.30am and 3pm on April 18 at Goldthorpe Market, locals will have the chance to speak to organisations and explore options for learning, training, work and volunteering. Everyone is welcome to attend the event, no matter their background or starting point.On the day, there will be the chance to meet...

BARNSLEY took centre stage recently as a panel of inspirational female leaders from the technology industry shared their expertise with businesses.Hosted by Innovation Network South Yorkshire, a partnership between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, the event attracted over 60 attendees eager to explore the future of digital transformation.Joining the panel of digital business leaders were representatives from Enterprising Barnsley, the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, and both...

A LOCAL MP will host a virtual funding workshop for charities with the People’s Postcode Lottery next month.John Healey, MP for Wentworth and Dearne, will host the event on Friday, April 19 at 10am.The session gives local charities, volunteer organisations, and community groups advice on how they can apply for funds to make a difference in their community.Over £109,000, raised by People’s Postcode Lottery players, has already made a...

WITH the Easter bank holiday weekend just around the corner, NHS South Yorkshire is reminding people that it’s important to know where you can get health care and advice should you need it over the long weekend. NHS South Yorkshire wants to ensure that when people are unwell they get the right service at the right time so they can get the best possible treatment. Some NHS services such as GP surgeries and...

BARNSLEY Museums have announced new opening times for four of their free heritage attractions starting on April 8.Cannon Hall Museum, Park and Gardens will be opening Thursday-Sunday 11am-4pm until Christmas with school holiday opening being Monday-Sunday, 11am-4pm with the museum being closed Christmas to Easter. Park and Gardens open all year round.Worsbrough Mill will be open Thursday to Sunday, 10am-3pm with the Country Park open all year round.Elsecar Heritage...

PATIENTS in Barnsley are being urged to not leave it until the last minute to order and collect prescriptions ahead of the Easter holiday weekend.Over the four-day holiday weekend, many community pharmacies and all GP surgeries will be closed, so the advice is to plan ahead and order repeat prescriptions as soon as possible before Good Friday, March 29.The easiest way to order repeat prescriptions is via the NHS App or...

WE ALL know how important it is to get our blood pressure checked every now and then – and Barnsley’s How’s Thi Ticker team are going to be out and about across Barnsley over the next week offering free blood pressure checks and heart health advice.Getting your blood pressure checked is quick, easy and could save your life, so if you see the team in your local area, come say hi and find out your...

BARNSLEY Council is reminding parents with children aged two years old that more childcare support is on the way from April and you should apply by March 31 if you are eligible.The Government previously announced that from April 2024, eligible working parents in England with children aged two years old will have access to 15 hours’ childcare.Don’t miss out on getting the support you are entitled to. Visit the Childcare Choices website...

PASSES to visit the borough’s recycling centres are going digital with paper passes being phased out later this year.Residents are being asked to sign-up for a digital account where they can apply for a vehicle, resident and pedestrian pass as part of the scheme.Initially, both digital and paper passes will be accepted at the recycling centres before all passes go fully digital later this year with the council encouraging residents to...

INFORMATION on how to kick-start a career as a self-employed childminder is being given by Barnsley Council.More people are choosing a career in childminding as it offers flexible working hours and rates of pay, alongside the opportunity to develop skills and qualifications.In response to this trend, the council will be hosting regular information drop-in sessions throughout this month and April across Barnsley Libraries to support anyone considering a career as a...

A HEALTHY Homes drop-in event is taking Barnsley Market on Friday (March 8) as part of Barnsley Council’s work to support residents in making sure they live in a warm and safe home.Several services from the council will be in attendance, including the Warm Homes, More Money In Your Pocket, Private Sector Housing, Adult Social Care and Employment and Skills teams. They'll be there to provide more information about the support available to...

SCHOOLS across Barnsley are being encouraged to apply for a £1,000 grant for their breakfast clubs.The Kellogg’s Breakfast Club Grants scheme has supported 15 schools across the town since 2020. The grants can be used by schools to invest in any aspect of their breakfast clubs, from equipment to food and learning materials. A spokesperson from Oakwell Rise Primary Academy, who received a previous grant, said: “Thanks to the grant from Kellogg’s,...

RESIDENTS across Barnsley will now be able to get treatment for seven common conditions at their high street pharmacy without needing to see a GP – as the government and NHS roll out the scheme in a bid to cut waiting times.The scheme is part of the NHS and government’s primary care access recovery plan, which committed to making accessing healthcare easier for millions of people.The major expansion of pharmacy services...

GROUPS and projects in Barnsley can now apply for grants of up to £10,000 to improve their local communities.The Park Spring Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund, which is managed by South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation (SYCF), is open to organisations within a 5km radius of Park Spring Wind Farm, at Grimethorpe.Operators EDF Energy Renewables has pledged £42,750 every year for the life of the wind farm to directly benefit local community projects...

A BARNSLEY business is offering free office furniture to any charity, social enterprise, SME, community organisation or education facility.AmcoGiffen has a wide selection of office furniture available to collect from its headquarters at Whaley Road, Barugh Green S75 1HT. The inventory includes solid and swivel chairs, desks, cupboards, bookcases, under-desk drawers, filing cabinets, notice boards, meeting desks and whiteboards.If you are or know of a charity, social enterprise, SME, community...

A FOODBANK run from the home of a generous local is aiming to increase its donations following high demand over Christmas.Feeding Families For Free, run by 24-year-old Georgia Brown, began providing support to local families during the Covid lockdowns.In the years since, the small charity has been growing and now provides clothing, toys for birthdays and even occasional mascot visits.For 2024 they are stepping up their output, setting the...

A CHARITY shop has asked the public for ‘urgent donations’ due to its dwindling stock – and they’re also on the lookout for volunteers.The British Heart Foundation, on Market Street in the town centre, has issued a plea for help as we enter a new year.Anyone with donations can either drop them off at the shop or use the charity’s free collection service.Manager Joanne Smith said: “We’re urgently requiring...

BARNSLEY Council have launched a new emergency contact centre to respond to coronavirus related emergencies.The scheme, set up to help the vulnerable people of the borough, began yesterday.The contact centre puts people in touch with support to help them, and where needed volunteers can deliver essential supplies, help with medication or have a chat with people so they don’t get lonely.Coun Jenny Platts, spokesperson for adults and communities, said:...

BARNSLEY Council has announced that they have closed all household waste recycling centres across the borough with immediate effect.According to the council, the sites have remained very busy and crowded, despite guidance from the government to only travel for essential reasons.Queues have formed on the highway, increasing the risk of accidents, and staff have been subjected to abuse when implementing social distancing measures.Please keep any waste you would usually...

RESIDENTS affected by severe floods which swamped Barnsley in November are eligible to apply for cash from the second phase of an emergency relief fund.The South Yorkshire Community Foundation (SYCF) aimed to provide ‘immediate relief’ to those impacted by way of an initial £200 grant, but the second phase will allow victims to apply for up to £1,000.Darton and Wombwell accounted for most of the flood-damaged properties following the torrential downpours on November 7.A...

THIS years bin collection calendar has been uploaded onto the Barnsley Council’s website.The calendar has been redesigned to be more accessible for residents in a simpler layout and format and provides the schedule running from January 2020 to January 2021, including changes to the Christmas and New Year service. Coun Chris Lamb said: “Our brand new bin calendar design should make it easier for our residents to find out when their bin...