BARNSLEY MP Steph Peacock has been appointed as a member of Labour’s shadow cabinet.

The MP for Barnsley East is now Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Government Procurement, a role which follows her campaign work for armed forces veterans and their families.

On Wednesday, Stephanie asked her first question from the despatch box – asking Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Office Chloe Smith about her party’s alleged inaccurate political advertisements during the general election, and calling for an Electoral Commission review.

Stephanie said: “I am pleased to have joined the Shadow Cabinet Office team and I am looking forward to holding the government to account, scrutinising their procurement and outsourcing deals and standing up for the interests of our veterans who have served their country.”

Last year Stephanie spent a year training with the army as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, working with current service personnel and going through live firing and physical exercises embedded in several units.

She has said this experience gave her ‘vital’ first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our armed forces.

TWO men who were taken into custody on Christmas Day following a reported shooting will appear at Sheffield Crown Court today.

Nathan Harrod, 24, of Wilford Road and Daniel Wogan, 22, of Upper Forest Road, both Athersley North, were the subject of a large-scale police search following the incident at around 10pm on December 20 on nearby Wollaton Close.

Wogan handed himself in to police on Christmas Day, while Harrod was arrested later that day.

A 31-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was rushed to Barnsley Hospital for surgery following the incident, but is expected to make a full recovery.

THOUSANDS of low income households struggling to make ends meet will receive a council tax reduction this year despite an overall 3.9 per cent hike.

The figure, when broken down, includes 1.9 per cent to help fund general services – such as bin collections, roads and area councils – and 2 per cent which will be ring-fenced for adult social care.

The ruling Labour group’s budget, set to go before full council on February 27, promises to deliver ‘significant investments in issues which matter the most to residents’, according to Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton.

As part of the £20m investment, 12,000 households – including those who claim Universal Credit and have been struggling to pay council tax – will receive a reduction.

Key changes will also be made in the care sector from April – including a pay rise for workers from £8.20 to £9.72 an hour – which is an effort to retain staff. A training programme, dubbed Excellence In Care, will be adopted which has been designed to further careers in the industry and rid the sector of its high staff turnover rate.

“There are a lot of positives in this year’s budget but the thing I’m most proud of is helping those who need it the most,” Sir Steve added.

“Workers in the care sector work hard for low pay, providing a vital service, so it’s important they get a better deal. The pay rise and programme will hopefully encourage them to stay in the industry. We’re aware Universal Credit is a huge issue in Barnsley and a revamp of the benefit scheme is essential. It will depend on each household’s circumstances, but 12,000 who are struggling will benefit.”

A total of £3m will be spent on roads, £2m on children’s services, £1.5m on green spaces and there will be a £1.5m increase on the ongoing Principal Towns scheme which boosts the appearance of out-of-town shopping districts. A new footbridge at Penny Pie Park costing £1m, improvements on the Dearne Towns Link Road, a doubling of 21 ward alliances’ budgets to £20,000 each and a £1.5m package to repair flood-damaged gullies are also stand-out features of the budget.

Sir Steve added: “It’s the first time in ten years we’ve been able to put a lot of investment back in and that’s down to the council being well-managed financially. We’ve listened to what people have told us and subsequently we’ve come up with significant priorities going forward. We’ve got through extremely hard times, times of severe austerity and cuts, so now it’s about moving forward and putting money back in where it really matters.”

AN operation to tackle anti-social behaviour was carried out at Barnsley Interchange.

Last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, officers from the Barnsley Central Neighbourhood Team took part in the joining forces initiative that included members from the British Transport Police and Barnsley Council’s Safer Neighbourhood Services.

Sgt Steph Coverley said: “The aim of the operation is to make the town centre a more enjoyable place to visit and work.

"Each evening we conducted high visibility patrols around the Interchange, the Digital Media Centre, the County Way car park and Mandela Gardens.

“We were supported by South Yorkshire Police CCTV Operators and Barnsley Council’s CCTV vehicle.

“Our focus was on anti-social behaviour and criminality, including drug offences and begging.”

Over the course of the three days, officers stopped and searched 20 people and two vehicles.

Three men were arrested; a 42 year-old man on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, an 18 year-old man on suspicion of public order offences and a 49 year-old man was arrested following being found in possession of a small quantity of controlled drugs and he was also found to be wanted on warrant from the courts.

Eight people were served with Public Space Protection Order Notices and one Fixed Penalty Notice was issued to a person for breaching their PSPO order.

Sgt Coverley added: “We will continue to target anti-social behaviour in and around the Transport Interchange so that it can be enjoyed and used by all members of the community.

“Thank you to our partners at Barnsley Council in helping us tackle the matters that mean the most to our communities. “

THERE are horses currently roaming Barnsley Road between Brierley and Shafton.

Please drive with caution.

A MAN killed in a motorbike crash in Worsbrough Bridge earlier this month has been named by police. 

Joe James, 22, was reportedly travelling on Kingwell Road on Saturday January 4 on a Suzuki motorbike when he lost control and fell from the vehicle.

Emergency services were called at 3.25pm but he was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Joe’s family said in a statement: “Joe was a much-loved son, brother and friend. A cheeky character at heart, he loved his motorbikes and nights out. 

“He will be greatly missed by many including his girlfriend Kirsten.” 

Joe’s family is being supported by specialist officers as enquiries continue. 

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw the bike in the area, who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage. 

If you can help, please call 101 quoting incident number 501 of January 4. 

A MAN has died after being struck by a vehicle on the motorway this morning.

Emergency services were called to between junction 36 and junction 35A on the M1 southbound at 5.30am following reports that a vehicle and a pedestrian had collided.

The pedestrian, a 62-year-old Sheffield man, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The M1 has been reopened following an investigation.

Police are asking anyone who saw the collision, or anyone who may have dashcam footage to contact 101 quoting incident number 96 of January 20.

A FRESH appeal has been put out by police to try and help find a Barnsley man who has been missing for nearly two months. 

Richard Dyson, of Hoyland, was reported missing on Monday, November 25 by his daughter, who was worried she hadn’t seen or heard from her father since Friday, November 15.

Despite weeks of enquiries and extensive searches, officers still believe the last known sighting of 55-year-old Richard was on Sunday, November 17 at around 11pm, where he was seen walking towards the A6135 Sheffield Road in Hoyland, close to Parkside Cottage.

Detective Constable Nasheen Oya said: “We issued a direct appeal to Richard shortly before Christmas and his birthday, as these were important occasions that would normally have involved him spending time with his daughter.

“Sadly, Richard never got in touch with anyone and he didn’t return home. Understandably, his daughter views this lack of contact as incredibly concerning, as do we.

“It is very out of character for Richard to cease contact altogether with his daughter, who he has regularly either spoken to on the telephone or visited. His disappearance remains a focus for our officers and we want to issue a fresh appeal to the public to come forward if they believe they know anything about Richard’s disappearance.

“It has been two months since the last believed sighting of Richard in Hoyland, which is a considerable amount of time for him to have been away from home.

“Our officers continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Richard going missing and to date, have not been able to find any reason why Richard would want to leave Hoyland, leave his daughter and cease contact.

“I’d urge anyone who may hold information about Richard, or if you know someone who knows something about Richard going missing, to get in touch.

“You can contact Crimestoppers in confidence and submit information via their website crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.

“Please, if you do hold information that could help, consider the impact this is having on Richard’s daughter and tell us what you know.”

As well as contacting Crimestoppers, people can also call 101 quoting incident number 459 of 25 November 2019.

COMMUTERS will be facing traffic delays this morning.

There has been an incident on the M1 southbound between junction 36 and 35a of the M1.

Emergency services are currently on the scene and the motorway is closed between the junctions.

Highways England confirmed there are delays of approximately 30 minutes.

Please allow extra time for your journey.

THE route for this year's Tour de Yorkshire races have been announced following a press conference this morning.

The prestigious cycling race, featuring some of the world's best riders, has been running since 2015 and returns for its sixth event on April 30, running until May 3.

This morning in Leeds, it was announced that this year will see the Heritage Stage go from Barnsley to Huddersfield on Saturday May 2.

The riders will start at Barnsley Town Hall before heading to Oxspring and Penistone before heading into West York Yorkshire. 

James Mason, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “It’s exciting for me to be involved with the Tour de Yorkshire for the very first time and this year’s routes look fantastic. Many of our county’s iconic climbs are included, and we’re particularly pleased to see Buttertubs and Grinton Moor making appearances after they were unfortunately cut from the World Championships route on account of the weather last September.  

“Seeing the men and women tackle Shibden Wall will also be special, and we’re delighted to be bringing the race to so many new places as well. We’re lucky to have such a diversity of landscapes here in Yorkshire and these races will have something for every type of rider. I’m really looking forward to it and I’m sure we’re in for some really exciting action.”

MORE than 20 people got their hands dirty collecting rubbish and clearing an area of vegetation in Cudworth.

The 25 volunteers spent three days clearing ‘Gandhi Backs’, near Snydale Road and included volunteers from the police, Barnsley Community Build (BCB) and residents.

More than 60 bags of rubbish were filled and a wall was taken down by people on community payback in addition to the removal of vegetation.

Housing enforcement officer, Chris Platts, who organised the event said: “The clean up event went really well. There was quite a lot of fly tipping which wasn’t obvious so we cleared out a mattress, tyres and timber.

“It was a rewarding event and I want to thank everyone who volunteered their time. I hope the residents will take pride and maintain it. We received a lot of compliments about how the area looked so hopefully residents will keep it up.”

A SIXTY-THREE year old who has spent more than 40 years clocking up the miles to raise money for good cause is about to take on his next challenge – running six marathons in six months.

Dave Allemby, of Wombwell, has run more than 66,000 miles since New Year’s Day in 1979 and is set to challenge himself with six marathons in six months to mark his sixth decade of running.

For this challenge, Dave, who works as a produce assistant in Tesco Barnsley, will support the store’s £6,000 fundraising target for The Children’s Hospital Charity.

“I have always supported the charities chosen by Tesco and being a small part of the team raising funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital will keep me motivated throughout the dark winter months,” said Dave.

“I have arthritis in my knees so my training is quite limited these days, but I’m still managing to run two or three times a week. Six half marathons in six months will still be quite a challenge for me, finishing with the Sheffield Half in April.”

Dave is also encouraging novice runners to join him in fundraising for The Children’s Hospital Charity and get active in 2020.

“My advice to newcomers would be to look out for beginner walk-to-run-groups in your area, many running and athletic clubs organise them and everyone in the group will be in the same situation and at roughly the same level of fitness.

“Park runs are also great fun – 5km routes held on Saturday mornings throughout the country. There’s no pressure, no entry fee and it’s a great target to finish one for a beginner. You can join thousands of people getting out there, taking part and having fun.”

Dave has set a personal fundraising target of £200 for the challenge, which will help transform the Cancer and Leukaemia ward at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The ward treats children from babies through to 19-year-olds in South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire and even as far south as Northampton.

Rachael Thomas, events fundraising officer at The Children’s Hospital Charity added: “It’s really inspiring to hear both about Dave’s dedicated running career and his long record of fundraising.

“We’re delighted that he’s chosen to support Sheffield Children’s Hospital with his six half marathons in six months challenge and we can’t wait to welcome him to the Sheffield Half next year. We still have a limited number of charity places for you to join him, so get in touch and make a difference in 2020.”

TWO women who want to encourage teens to come off the streets and channel their inner creativeness have opened a performing arts school.

Alexandra Crellin, 27, and Danielle Robinson, 29, officially opened Lotus School of Arts on Sunday and the occasion was marked with a party.

The school, based in Thurnscoe, will be offering dance classes, singing lessons and musical theatre sessions for children and adults fro the ages of one and up. 

However the pair are determined to make it more than just a performing arts school, they want to encourage youths to stop hanging out in the street and invest their time in being creative.

Alexandra said: “Youths are bored and that’s why they misbehave.

“There is nothing to engage them and I want this school to become a hub for young people to come and get creative and in turn it will keep them off the streets.

“The building was initially a youth club but the previous owners unfortunately couldn’t keep it running so I saw an opportunity and decided to provide the best of both worlds, teach performing arts and provide a place for youths.”

Alexandra, who has been dancing professionally since 2009, is eager to ensure her school is accessible to all.

“I’ve not long moved to Thurnscoe and I am determined to make the school a community hub. 

“We have several classes on offer to suit everyone, including baby classes and exercise sessions for parents who do not have childcare so they can get out the house, socialise and be active without having to worry about childcare.

“Our prices are also competitive because I know first hand how expensive dancing can be and I want to ensure that money will not prevent people from chasing their dream. 

“We have also received funding from Active Dearne, which will allow lower income families to come compete and join in classes.”

Classes will be running Monday to Saturday, with private lessons taking place on Sunday and they begin on January 20.

• For further information, visit Lotus School of Arts on Facebook.

‘FUNDAMENTAL challenges’ still remain in South Yorkshire’s rail network despite news Northern Rail could lose its franchise following poor performance across the county and beyond, South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis has said. 

The government could take control of services under the ‘operator of last resort model’ following a catalogue of complaints from fed-up passengers across South Yorkshire. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he is looking at a number of options on the Northern operation and also fired warnings at TransPennine Express for similar poor performance. 

But Mayor Jarvis has said that South Yorkshire and the wider north need extra investment from central government to directly address problems with infrastructure and capacity. 

He added there was a ‘basic unfairness’ in funding between London, the south east and the north of England. 

Northern bosses blamed ‘challenges outside of its control’ in recent years but admitted services on the network are ‘not yet good enough’. 

Mayor Jarvis said: “Whatever ends up happening with the franchise, this has reminded us all of the need for a greater level of investment in our infrastructure we bring in another operator or the government take it on but many of the fundamental challenges remain.

“We still have a railway system in northern England that has underinvestment and we have an imbalance in the amount of money the government spends on supporting transport infrastructure in London and the south east compared to South Yorkshire and the wider north. 

“There’s a basic unfairness already we’ve had warm words from the government but they’ve not yet been backed up I want to see a greater level of investment coming here more than we’ve seen.” 

• Provided by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. 

A FAMILY hoping to give a little boy with complex needs the best chance in life are hoping to find help in beer – literally.

Ben and Emmie Taylor have organised a charity beer tasting evening in Penistone to help contribute to their mammoth fund-raising effort to help their three-year-old son Beau. Due to a genetic change which wasn’t discovered until after he was born, Beau has been unable to learn to walk, and cannot sit unsupported or talk.

But the couple, of Penistone, have dedicated themselves to researching a variety of specialist therapies which can help boost his development, including some only available abroad, and have also explored the potential of surgery performed by a specialist in America.

However none of this would be funded by the NHS so they hope to raise as much money as they can to give Beau as much support as possible. They hope to raise £150,000.

Next weekend they will host Beers for Beau after enlisting the support of Whitefaced Brewery and head brewer Dave Hampshaw. The beer tasting evening will offer everyone six half-pint samples, with food and music to raise funds for Beau to have therapies the NHS can’t provide.

“We’re hoping it’s going to be a fantastic night, with live entertainment and nibbles, and a chance to have fun while helping support Beau,” said Emmie.

“The road of a special needs kid is a bumpy one with no way of predicting what lies ahead but with therapies and surgeries hopefully his future will be brighter and he will be allowed to reach his full potential.

“Beau is such a happy, smiley boy, we just want to keep that smile beaming with joy of achievement and not turn to frustration.”

Beers for Beau is at Penistone St John’s Community Centre next Saturday January 25, from 7.30pm.

•  Email beers4beau@outlook.com for tickets or see the @adventureswithbeaujangles Facebook page.

A MAN who stole a wallet from a town centre pub before using a debit card to buy alcohol and cigarettes via contactless payments has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Christopher Lister, of no fixed abode, entered the staff members’ area of Joseph Bramah on Market Hill and took the wallet on December 8.

The 35-year-old, who appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last week, was made the subject of a conditional discharge in November for criminal damage but committed the offences while on the six-month order.

Lister, who pleaded guilty, was given a 12-week sentence which was suspended for 12 months and told to pay £109 in compensation.

A FOUR-DAY operation which saw police flood Barnsley town centre to crack down on antisocial behaviour including drug abuse last week has been hailed a success.

Operation Barossa, an intelligence-led scheme which aimed to tackle the misuse of drugs and criminality in the town centre between Tuesday and Friday, saw a marked increase in presence and stop and searches carried out by patrolling officers.

More than 40 people were stop-searched, while dispersal orders – which ban people engaging in antisocial behaviour from entering the town centre – were handed out to more than a dozen offenders.

The recently-upgraded CCTV cameras within the town centre, now continuously monitored by operators, were cited as a key reason in why Barossa was a success.

Sgt Stephanie Coverley said: “We are committed to making Barnsley a safer, more enjoyable place to visit.

“We will continue to use our powers to send out the message that antisocial behaviour and drugs will not be tolerated.

“Over the four days, officers focused their attention on Peel Square and the pedestrianised precinct following concerns from businesses and members of the public.

“I would like to thank those who stopped to speak to our officers and thanked them for their work and what we are doing as it means a lot.”

It was the second time the operation – borne out of concerns raised by businesses and from shoppers’ surveys – took place in the town centre and more prolonged spells of presence have been promised.

Spice – a former legal high – was high on officers’ radars and one 32-year-old man was found in possession of the drug after a CCTV trawl revealed he had attempted to conceal a package.

According to police figures, just 20 incidents of spice abuse were reported in Barnsley town centre in 2017, something which grew to 136 last year, leading to a public space protection order (PSPO) to be widened and extended until 2022.

A police spokesperson added: “We focused our attention on the Peel Square areas following concerns from businesses and members of the public.

“The presence of the officers resulted in a significant reduction in antisocial behaviour.

“The CCTV cameras within the town centre have recently been upgraded and are continuously monitored by skilled operators.

“These operators feed directly into our neighbourhood team officers and this real-time information enables them to respond quickly to incidents of antisocial behaviour or suspected drug dealing.

“While a few individuals displayed their unhappiness at our officers being in the town centre by spitting at their cars, the majority of people stopped to talk to officers, thanking them and sharing their appreciation.”

• To report antisocial behaviour or crime, call 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report incidents by emailing safer@barnsley.gov.uk.

BARNSLEY Hospice is encouraging the people of Barnsley to make a will as part of a campaign.

Make a Will Month, which runs throughout February, is an annual initiative that helps support patient care.

Several local solicitors will be offering their time for free by waiving their fees during the month in exchange for a donation to the hospice.

Julie Watts, a healthcare assistant in the inpatient unit at Barnsley Hospice, made her will during Make a Will Month last year.

“Making a will is something you don’t really think about when everything is OK, so this campaign really prompted me to get on with it,” she said.

“Not only is it a great way to get your affairs in order, but you’ll also be supporting the hospice which relies on the generosity of local people. I would urge others thinking of making a will to sign up to the Barnsley Hospice Make a Will

Month during February. It’s a simple process which makes a real difference to you and the hospice too.”

The participating Barnsley solicitors include Best Solicitors, Ison Harrison Solicitors and Peace Legal Limited.

A PENSIONER who was repeatedly tricked into giving away thousands of pounds to criminals purporting to be from her bank has warned others to be cautious when answering calls – after being ‘too embarrassed’ to initially tell her family about being conned.

The 87-year-old, who did not wish to be named, chose to speak out as part of South Yorkshire Police’s ongoing Operation Signature, which was formed as a result of rising cases involving fraudsters targeting vulnerable residents.

The widow, from Ardsley, suffers from multiple sclerosis and was hoodwinked into believing a call from her bank, NatWest, was genuine.

Criminals tricked her into thinking there had been ‘suspicious activity’ relating to her account and, as a precaution, advised her to transfer £4,200 to another account in June last year.

“They rang to explain all this in great detail and even arranged a taxi to pick me up to take me into Barnsley town centre,” she told the Chronicle. “Luckily the bank took me to one side as they were suspicious about the withdrawal and a police officer came before it was too late.”

However, when police looked into the incident, it became clear that the pensioner had been a repeated previous target and had lost £1,500 on three separate occasions before.

“I have two sons but didn’t want to tell them at first, so I chose to stay quiet and keep it from them,” she added. “I did that because I was worried, embarrassed I’d let them take advantage of my trust.

“Trust is the biggest thing – when I got calls from someone saying they were from my bank, I had no reason to disbelieve them. They knew things about me but it’s important people just put the phone down to avoid the same as what happened to me.

“It was only on the occasion when the bank’s staff took me to one side that I knew that it wasn’t their policy to call their customers. I simply did not know beforehand and trusted what the criminals told me.”

Operation Signature has been rolled out by police across the town – focusing on protecting those deemed to be at high risk of fraud – which has seen each of Barnsley’s six neighbourhood policing teams tasked with advising vulnerable people about the potential pitfalls of fraud.

Andy Foster, protection officer for financial-related matters, admitted that fraudsters’ activity remains a ‘serious concern’ for officers in Barnsley.

“Courier fraud such as this happens when criminals telephone a potential victim, claiming to be from their bank, the police or other law enforcement agencies,” he said.

“We’re seeing hundreds of cases on a monthly basis – it’s an epidemic and it’s something forces struggle to prevent due to its nature. Money, once it’s gone, often goes from one place to another so it’s difficult to trace.

“I’ve seen in the past how shocking it can be and some people have lost their entire life savings as a result of being conned by a caller.

“In this case, the pensioner was a repeat victim who was preyed upon because she was vulnerable but we believe many victims opt against reporting costly crime simply because they’re embarrassed.

“Banks or the police will never ask anyone to withdraw cash or ask for security details so please be on your guard if you receive a call from ‘your bank’ or from someone claiming to be from the police.

“I would advise anyone receiving unsolicited calls via their home phone to contact their telephone provider and ask them if they provide a free call-blocking service.

“Alternatively, call-blocking devices and replacement telephones with call blocking software pre-installed are available to buy.”

TWO care homes have teamed up to collect food for a foodbank.

Thornhill House Care Home, based on Church Street, Darfield is working with its sister care home, Highstone Mews, based on Highstone Road, Worsbrough Common, to collect food, toiletries and money to donate to Action for

Barnsley Homeless.

The volunteer-led charity runs a weekly soup kitchen at Temperance House on Pitt Street for those who are homeless or can not afford to buy food.

The charity contacted Thornhill to appeal for donations, and senior carers Sophie King and Adrian Wright are taking charge of collecting donations.

Sophie said: “The care homes are part of Stonglife Care and they pride themselves in working closely with the community and helping out charitable organisations.

“I find this very rewarding so I was more than happy to help Action for Barnsley Homeless get some much needed supplies.”

The care homes will be accepting donations until January 31 and they are collecting tinned food, bottled water, soap and other dried food.

Sophie said: “Any money that we collect we will use to buy more food for Action for Barnsley Homeless and we thank everyone in advance for their donations.”

HORRIFYING video footage captured from three different angles shows the moment a motorcyclist was thrown into the air in a head-on crash which left him with life-changing injuries and the driver of the car behind bars. 

The 35-year-old rider, from Gawber, suffered a broken back, sternum and wrist in the collision which saw him catapulted into the air and his Suzuki K7 bike destroyed.

The 41-year-old driver of the Subaru that hit him had been travelling at 70mph on the wrong side of the road around a blind left-hand bend on Mortimer Road, Sheffield.

In dashcam footage from the car released by South Yorkshire Police, the driver – Florian Pratt, from Nottingham – can be seen losing control of his vehicle as he exits the bend before he collides with the rider who had applied the brakes.

Footage taken from a car travelling behind Pratt shows the full extent of the impact from a different angle, as the motorcyclist is thrown several feet into the air over Pratt’s car.

Roads policing constable PC Phil Carson said: “In an ideal world, everyone would drive with care 100 per cent of the time, but sadly this isn’t the case.

“The offending driver had no previous driving points or convictions, but on this occasion he demonstrated an exceptional lack of judgement. 

“Thankfully, the motorcyclist was wearing a full leather air bag suit which activated and inflated as he was propelled off his bike. Without it, in a collision at this speed, he would most likely have died.

“We often see motorcycle riders wearing shorts and trainers, and they think it’s OK because they have a helmet on – it’s not. 

“You might be travelling in a safe manner, but that doesn’t mean everyone else is.”

Pratt was sentenced to 16 months in jail after admitting to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and also received a three-year driving ban, at Sheffield Crown Court last Thursday.

Judge David Dixon said: “Anyone in control of a high-powered sports type car needs to be aware of the vehicle’s capability and their own capability.

“You failed to take any account of the bend that led to this incident. The message must go out loud and clear. If you drive any vehicle you must drive with care.”

A BARNSLEY family featured in a Channel Five documentary say being picked was a ‘once-in-a-lifetime experience’ – although they admit having cameras follow them around on holiday was a little strange.

Newly-weds Lisa and Jamie Green, and Lisa’s children Millie and Sam, were picked from thousands of applicants to star in ‘All Inclusive: How Do They Do It?’

The consumer documentary follows holiday-goers as they arrive at a busy all-inclusive hotel in Spain, and is aimed at giving viewers tips and hints as they look at booking their own summer getaways.

The Greens, from Parkland View, Lundwood, are self-confessed ‘all-inclusive experts’.

Lisa, 41, said: “I spend my spare time looking for holiday bargains.

“We don’t go around town or anything like that, we go on two or three holidays a year and that’s what we do for fun.

“We were told there were 20,000 initial enquiries so it’s mad that we got picked.

“Until you’ve experienced it you don’t understand the amount of effort that goes into filming a programme like that, even just one scene.

“The first couple of days were a bit tense but then you kind of forget about the cameras, even though there are three or four people around you. The crew were fantastic and made us feel at ease.”

The show, which airs on Thursdays at 9pm, follows the Greens alongside two other sets of holiday-goers, one a family of novices and the other a group of friends, at the Albir Garden resort in Alicante.

Lisa said her phone ‘never stopped going off’ as the family settled down to watch themselves back.

“We all stayed up to watch it together and really enjoyed it,” she added.

“You think when you hear the Barnsley accent you might not want to listen back to yourself, but there was no cringing.”

RESIDENTS have expressed their concerns over motorists speeding through an estate at a meeting.

The Royston Watch group held a meeting on Wednesday night and residents who live on the Pinfold estate, which consists of the roads East Pinfold, West Pinfold, Kirk Cross Crescent and Redwood Avenue said they have seen cars driving up to 50mph in the residential area, almost twice the 30mph speed limit.

Next month, Aldi is set to open on High Street and residents are concerned that the estate will be used as a shortcut for those travelling on Royston Lane into the village.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I have witnessed a car speeding so fast the driver almost hit a parked car. The driver managed to regain control but if they were travelling any faster, it would have been a different story.

“If there was a pedestrian walking and cars are speeding through, they wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Residents also spoke about the volume of cars that are parked on the estate, and fear there will be an increase of traffic once Aldi opened, causing congestion in the estate.

Shelley Mattocks, who chaired the meeting, said that she would raise the issue of speeding at the Royston PACT meeting, which will take place on Tuesday at The Grove.

A WOMAN fed up at the amount of dog fouling in her village has been left reeling after she was threatened with legal action by the council for putting up posters on the issue.

Shelley Mattocks, who volunteers for the Royston Watch community group, regularly walks her dog along Common Lane, Newton Avenue, Station Road and Winter Avenue.

After repeatedly coming home with her shoes and her pet covered in dog mess, Shelly decided to stick notices across Royston, stating that anyone who was caught dog fouling would be reported to the council.

She said: “I came home two nights in a row and had to put my dog straight in the bath because he was smothered in mess.

“I was so frustrated I decided to print posters and stuck them on bins and lampposts in areas where I knew dog fouling was a rife, warning that people who commit the offence will be reported.

“The response from residents was very positive. I had messages from people asking to have posters on their street and others sending me information about potential offenders.”

Over the next few days, Shelley began to notice that the posters she had put up had been removed and she initially believed it was children. “Then Barnsley Council sent me an email informing me that they had been made aware of the posters I had distributed and they had removed a few,” said Shelley

“I was told I had to immediately remove the posters or face being prosecuted under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the offence of fly posing.

“It felt like a kick in the teeth and I was gutted because I was just trying to highlight an issue and nothing seems to be done about it by the council. We never see enforcement in Royston and it’s out of hand the amount of dog fouling we’re seeing across the village.”

Kirk Harper, a local campaigner planning to stand in the elections this year as an independent, said: “We need more enforcement as it seems villages do get left behind and dog fouling is an issue.

“If someone falls in dog mess and it gets in their eye, it’s a serious problem as dog mess breeds bacteria. The issue needs addressing.”

Coun Jenny Platts, spokesperson for communities, said: “We know that the issue of dog fouling is high on local communities’ priorities and that it’s frustrating; for both us and our residents. While the flyers posted about dog fouling in Royston were put up with good intentions, they unfortunately contained factually incorrect information. We know this resident was trying to support their local community, but at the same time we need to keep a consistent approach to dealing with flyposting across the borough. We’ve made contact with the resident and informed her that posting these notices isn’t allowed and will always support local residents to get the right messages out.

“It’s great that local people are really involved in looking after their communities and we appreciate all of their help and support. The council performs well in relation to enforcement action on dog fouling in comparison to other local authorities nationally and since March 2019 we’ve issued 152 Fixed Penalty Notices. We will arrange a meeting with representatives of the local watch group to see how we can better work together to tackle local problems, providing access to advice and support to make a difference in the area. To help tackle these problems, residents across the borough are encouraged to report dog fouling online at barnsley.gov.uk/dog-fouling.”

AROUND £245,000 has been invested in a council-led scheme that tackles litter and fly-tipping, extending it until March.

The Blitz programme targets roads that are badly affected by waste, overgrown weeds and fly-tipping in a bid to improve communities around Barnsley.

The scheme, which has been running since October 2019, has received an additional £245,000 worth of funding to extend the programme until March 31, with a further £110,000 for 2021.

Coun Chris Lamb, cabinet spokesperson for environment and transportation, said: “The additional investment programme started in October 2019, with a dedicated resource to support the removal of weeds and graffiti, focusing on general cleanliness across the borough.

“We work on priority areas identified in partnership with local councillors and have made significant progress.

“So far we’ve cleared more than 700 streets across the borough and removed almost 95 tonnes of leaves, weeds and litter.

“We’ve recently received confirmation that the current investment will continue until March 31 which will see a total of £245,000 invested to March.

“A further £110,000 will also be invested in 2020-2021 to support the continuation of the programme.

“As part of our #EverybodyThink campaign, we encourage everyone to dispose of their rubbish and unwanted items responsibly.

“By making small changes such as recycling and reporting litter and fly-tipping, we can work together to keep Barnsley clean and green.”

KNIVES have been removed from Barnsley’s streets after a barber led a successful amnesty movement in the town.

Tony Batty, who has run his shop on Racecommon Road for 33 years, made his business a point for those with unwanted knives to drop them off anonymously.

He signed up to the Barbers Against Blades ‘Fade the Blade’ campaign, which sees barbers become drop-off points.

About a dozen knives were handed in, which were collected by South Yorkshire Police last Friday.

Tony, 53, said: “The more people we can reach and spread the word, the better. It’s not just a short-term thing – the number of knife attacks you hear about is unbelievable, so I want to do all I can to help.”

Although the town is South Yorkshire’s least affected area for knife crime, rising concerns about youngsters arming themselves for either status or protection led Barnsley to be included in the force’s Operation Sceptre crackdowns last year.

Police – who have backed the barber-led campaign – told the Chronicle that carriers of knives are three times more likely to become a victim.

Chf Supt Una Jennings added: “It is vitally important that we continue to work together to address the issue of knife crime and make our young people feel safer and, if they are considering carrying a knife, understand why that is and educate them away from this highly dangerous path.

“I’m grateful for the support of our partner agencies, schools and communities as we continue our efforts to tackle this devastating crime.

“We’re all committed and all have the same goal. We will ensure we continue to adopt all methods and measures available to drive knife-related criminality down.”

A CARER who stole from a dementia-suffering 82-year-old has been told she faces the prospect of jail next month – but only after a psychiatric report is carried out to assess her ‘frame of mind’.

Caroline Bastable, of Wheatacre Road, Sheffield, was caught on CCTV stealing items from a woman in Barnsley including cash, jewellery and perfume. 

The CCTV cameras had been installed by the victim’s son after he became suspicious.

In addition to this, she was also seen failing to give the elderly woman her medication.

The 42-year-old appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday, but Judge Michael Slater opted to adjourn sentencing having ordered a psychiatric assessment to be carried out.

He said: “A point was raised in the pre-sentence report which I have more questions about, so it’s regrettable but only fair that a psychiatric report is carried out.

“This will assess the defendant’s general condition at the time of the offending in 2017 and currently. Her family members are concerned, which is only natural, but it could be a mitigating feature of this case.

“I am sorry we cannot proceed but these matters have largely been brought to my attention late. We must comply with various statutory obligations and I can make no promises of how the defendant will be dealt with.

“All options remain open and imprisonment is a prospect.”

The incidents, according to prosecutors in court on Tuesday, began in November 2017 when items such as food and milk began to disappear from the victim’s home.

A family friend then noticed cash, which had been hidden around the house, was missing.

A ‘large quantity’ of cigarettes, hidden at the back of a cupboard, had also been taken which led to the victim’s son installing the CCTV around his mother’s property – a move which caught Bastable in the act.

Prosecutor Michael Greenhalgh said: “Throughout December that year, Bastable was recorded stealing from the then 80-year-old on more than one occasion, helping herself to food from the kitchen cupboards and was often seen rifling through drawers, jewellery boxes and the victim’s purses hunting for cash and other valuables.

“She stole a gold bangle as the pensioner slept in the same room. Later that same evening, she helped herself to toiletries and perfume from gift sets. Some of these items were recovered by police during a search of Bastable’s home following her arrest in December 2017.

“When questioned by police about why she was regularly seen to not give the housebound victim her medication, she stated she ‘must have forgotten’.”

The victim’s family members, present in court, shook their heads from the public gallery after Judge Slater ordered the report to be carried out, giving a timeframe of ‘six weeks’.

Mr Greenhalgh added: “The family want an end to this as soon as possible and I must express our disappointment on their behalf.”

Bastable was bailed ahead of her next appearance at the same court on February 28.

A STATE-OF-THE-ART incubator will support premature babies born at Barnsley Hospital after another fundraising milestone was reached.

The Morrisons Foundation donated £25,000 to the hospital, whose quest to raise £1m to fund a new special care baby unit’s equipment – dubbed the Tiny Hearts Appeal – is approaching its target.

The intensive care incubator – which has a cooling facility to protect a baby’s brain after a traumatic birth – will support premature tots born months before their due date and increase their chance of survival.

Premature babies are often under-developed and have to be given extra help for their tiny bodies to cope with the outside world, and can spend up to 14 weeks on the unit.

Jane Mills, charity development manager at Barnsley Hospital, said: “The appeal has seen the public really jump on board to show their support, with generous donations from community fundraisers and corporate organisations.

“We have seen the appeal soar to this point, however it is vital that even though the new unit has opened, we still continue to push to our target.

“This donation is absolutely amazing and it is wonderful that Morrisons are supporting their local community in this way.

“The £25,000 will be used towards purchasing a new incubator for our neonatal unit and it will make a real difference.

“Donations from local and national businesses, such as The Morrisons Foundation, really help to raise valuable funds to support our patients.”

The Tiny Hearts Appeal, launched in September 2014, has the aim of providing an even better standard for all special care babies and the most comfortable environment for families and staff on the unit.

A new £2.8m unit, which opened in November 2018, has been built around the needs of the babies and their families but funding for more state-of-the-art equipment continues.

The unit sits on the same level as the hospital’s birthing suite, which means that babies do not have to be exposed to different environments and temperature changes or have to be taken into an elevator.

Jean Bickerton, community champion at the Morrisons store in Barnsley, presented the donation to the charity yesterday.

She added: “I’m really pleased that we were able to help such a great local cause. Knowing that our support will make a genuine difference to their activities in the community really does make us proud.

“Helping local charities is at the heart of what the foundation is all about and I’m so happy that we can provide this grant.”

A RAFT of road alterations planned in order to access a fiercely-contested green belt site allocated for 1,700 houses and business use have been revealed.

Barnsley Council will create a site known as ‘Barnsley West MU1’, bordered by Pogmoor, Higham, Gawber and Barugh Green, which is made up of housing, a new 300-place primary school and business use.

However, a contentious link road has been revealed this week off Higham Common Road – which also includes new roundabouts there, on Barugh Green Road and Capitol Park – leading campaigners to lodge more concerns about the proposals.

Coun Peter Fielding, who represents the Dodworth ward, said: “I strongly oppose the size of the development on green belt land on the MU1 site but it is clear it is going ahead.

“This is despite the widespread concerns and opposition from local communities who fear increased congestion, pollution and noise as a result.”

Comments can be made on the council’s website until February 5.

TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of a ‘funny, gentle giant’ who was hit by a car as he walked his beloved dog.

Tony Sykes, 32, of Sheffield Road, Barnsley, was walking five-year-old Bella on Oaks Lane near the former Barnsley Main colliery at around 8.30am on Monday when a silver Kia Rio apparently mounted the pavement, killing them both.

Tony’s sister, Leanne Shirt, told the Chronicle that she and Tony had been best friends through secondary school - but it was only when she was 13 that they realised they were, in fact, siblings.

“Tony was such a funny guy and we would hang out in school, we were in the same form group at Holgate school,” said Leanne, 32, of Beech Street, Barnsley.

“I didn’t know my dad but I knew his surname was Sykes. I went over to his house one day and I got chatting to his mum. The next day Tony came to school and said that we were siblings.

“He was always a clown, always entertaining everyone and making them laugh by playing pranks. There are so many videos of him and his friends playing tricks on each other or Tony singing and dancing.”

Tony’s partner, Grace Plahe, said he had been planning to propose and she was looking forward to spending her life with him.

Grace, 19, said: “I’m originally from Middlesbrough and Tony got the train to come and meet me after we had been talking for around six months on Facebook.

“We met and it was love at first sight and we’ve been together for two-and-a-half years. He came up to see me whenever he could.

“I was offered a place to study microbiology at the University of Leeds so we’ve been able to see each other a lot more and we’ve always been out and about with Bella.

“Bella was definitely a princess. She would cry if we left the house but if we took her along with us, she never wanted to walk far.

“She spent more time being carried by me and Tony than she did on the ground walking - but she was adored by Tony.

“I was at university the day he died because I had an exam.

“I heard he’d been in an accident but I didn’t think for a second it was serious. When I finished my exam I contacted his sister who told me the news.

“It’s been a real shock. It doesn’t seem real. We had so many plans; we wanted to move in together and get married, he had such a big heart. I’ll miss them both terribly.”

Tony’s youngest sister, Beth, added: “He did a lot of charity work especially for Barnsley Hospice who cared for our mum.

“He was a very protective brother and a fantastic uncle to my son, Alistair. He didn’t take life too seriously and I’ll miss him terribly.”

Tony’s three closest friends have also paid tribute.

David Sherriff said: “I’ve known Tony since I was five years old, we grew up together on the same street and I classed him as my brother.

“If you were down, it was guaranteed that Tony would cheer you up.

“We always played tricks on each other growing up and making each other laugh. I have so many memories that will last a lifetime.”

James Speed added: “I’ve known Tony since I was eight years old. We’ve always enjoyed going on long walks ever since we were young. He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I have over 20 years of memories with him I can talk about him all day. He will be missed.”

Chris Collier said: “We met in 1998 in Holgate school. I overheard him talking about wrestling in the lunch queue and I loved it too so we began talking and we’ve been inseparable since. I’m heartbroken this has happened.”

A Just Giving page has been set up to try and raise money towards funeral costs, raising more than £2,000 since the tragedy.

A police spokesman said: “No arrests have been made at this time. 

“We are asking anyone who saw the collision, who saw the car prior to the collision, or who may have dashcam footage, to contact us.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who stopped to help at the scene. Contact 101 quoting incident number 150 of January 13.”

To donate, see justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anthony-sykes 

A BAR owner who recently renovated a ‘run-down’ Wombwell bar says vandals won’t stop him as he picks up the pieces after several targeted attacks.

Arthur O’Loughlin, owner of Locky’s Bar on High Street, took on Squires - across the street, on the corner of Church Street - towards the end of last year.

Wanting to use the bar as a nod towards Wombwell’s history, he collected equipment and artefacts from the old Alma pub - including its solid wood dancefloor - and used the Squires site’s former use as an ironmongers as inspiration for its new appearance.

But in the early hours of Christmas morning, the bar was targeted by a vandal who used two bricks to smash the new windows.

And just as Arthur began to look into replacing them, his bar Locky’s was also hit on Tuesday, again in the early hours, in what he thinks is a linked incident.

Arthur said he identified the man on CCTV and gave this information to police, but because his face was covered they said they don’t have the quality of evidence needed to investigate further.

“He’s wearing a very distinct tracksuit, with a logo on the left of his top, and the trainers he’s wearing are distinctive,” Arthur told the Chronicle.

“I have a very good idea who it is, and after putting it on Facebook within half an hour I had several people all saying the same name.

“We’ve barred three people from Locky’s and a couple from Squires. If I’ve upset someone, it seems like this is him getting revenge.

“Everyone knows the repeat offenders in Wombwell. We have names.

“He will have gone out bragging to people, but eventually he’ll brag to someone who doesn’t like him and will regret it.”

Arthur and his family spent weeks working on the bar and attached Churchill’s Hotel, which has had each of its 17 rooms renovated, and reopened both towards the end of last year.

The hotel is now managed by an online company, while Arthur’s daughter Vicky runs Squires.

Arthur said: “It was being run down, people weren’t interested, and I saw another pub set to disappear out of Wombwell.

“I knew the windows would be a target for vandals, but if you don’t do things you want to do because of things that might happen in the future you’ll never get anywhere in life.

“The alternative is putting shutters on, but that’s a last resort. In Wombwell through the day you’ve got businesses and shops, and you don’t want to see shutters up. I want people to see inside.

“There’s nothing wrong with Wombwell. We are trying to get it back on its feet.”

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a collision involving a car and a teenage motorcyclist in Wath-upon-Dearne.

The incident, which happened on Manvers Way between 5pm and 5.20pm on Friday January 3, reportedly involved a Green Lexmoto Viper motorbike and a silver Honda CRV.

The 18-year-old man riding the motorbike was taken to hospital where he was treated for serious injuries. 

He has since been discharged and is now recovering.

The driver of the Honda, a 52-year-old man, was not injured.

Anyone who has information or dashcam footage is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 587 of January 3, or submit their footage by email to enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk.

A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of drugs offences following a raid on a house today.

The 52-year-old woman was arrested earlier when officers from the Kendray Neighbourhood team executed a warrant at a property on Worsley Close.

They were acting on intelligence from the local community who suspected that the address was used for drug dealing.

Officers found a quantity of the former legal high known as spice in the property and equipment believed to be used for selling drugs.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. She remains in police custody.

Sgt Darrell Needham, said: “Although sometimes it may seem that we do not act upon intelligence given to us straight away, we are.

“We are stronger with our communities and I would like to thank those who take the time to help us keep our streets safe.”

A TEENAGER has raised £500 for Barnsley Hospital’s Tiny Hearts Appeal - and donated her hair to a children’s cancer charity.

Netherwood student Eliza Wilkinson, 14, attended her dad Paul Wilkinson’s self-titled hair studio, on Regent Street South in Barnsley town centre, on Saturday to have several inches of hair cut off before having it shaved.

The cash - generated through sponsorship from family and friends - will go towards the hospital’s ongoing appeal to fund a new special care baby unit.

Eliza’s hair went to The Little Princess Trust, which relies on donations and uses hair to create wigs for cancer-suffering kids, and was inspired to take part through Macmillan’s ‘Brave The Shave’ appeal.

Paul said: “Eliza’s done us all proud and she’s done something great for two worthwhile causes.”

A SPECIALIST charity which supports people who have suffered from domestic violence has been give more than £156,000 to help continue its work.

IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) aims to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence and the charity’s funding comes from the local authority, trusts, the Police Crime Commissioner, donations and grants.

Housebuilding company Strata has helped the charity, raising more than £156,000 to help IDAS provide support to children and young people, with programmes of support designed to prevent and respond to the impact of domestic abuse. 

Over the last year, the employees, suppliers and colleagues at Strata worked together on a range of challenges and activities that have enabled them to raise the funds for IDAS.

The charity’s CEO Sarah Hill told the Chronicle: “We are absolutely overwhelmed by the amount Strata Homes have raised for IDAS.

“Their brilliant fundraising will ensure that we can help support children and young people affected by domestic abuse for years to come.  

“Domestic abuse often starts at a young age with 14-25-year-olds being most at risk of suffering from abuse. 

“With this money, we particularly want to work with schools and colleges to help educate and inform young people so that they are able to form healthy, happy relationships into their adulthood.”

A BUSINESSMAN is offering a £10,000 reward after losing more than £230,000 in cash and property in a break-in at his home. 

The victim, who asked not to be identified, returned from his holiday to find that his home off Sheffield Road in Birdwell  had been ransacked.

He said several sentimental items were taken, in addition to £150,000 in cash.

The victim told the Chronicle: “My friend was going on holiday and had asked me and my partner to join them and we decided to go. 

“We returned home to find that my front door had been prised open.”

The victim went inside to find the house had been turned upside down, and several items were missing.

“I feel like the last ten years of my life have been wiped out. Someone has come into my home and taken things that mean so much to me and I just can’t understand it.

“The variation of things they have taken is baffling. I’ve had items such as a back massager and a cracked suitcase taken and then I’ve had very expensive items such as a Tag Heuer watch and one key to my racing car and one to my partner’s car stolen. 

“We have had to move the vehicles through fear that the people responsible will come back to take them.” 

The theft happened just before Christmas but the frustrated victim has only now got in touch with the Chronicle in the hope that offering a reward for information will help catch the perpetrator. 

He believes some of the stolen items may have been given as Christmas presents. “I want these returned and I am offering a £10,000 reward for this,” he said. 

Among the items taken were the victim’s Royal Marines green beret, pin badge and watch which were gifted to him upon his completion of service.

“These items are something that would not be easy to come by and they were given to me. How someone can take them is just heartless.

“Some of the items taken, such as the battery for a Makita grinder, I have written the number one on the release button and on the bottom there is a white luminescent paint in the holes where the screws fix the casing together so if put under a UV light, it would show up.

“My MacBook Pro laptop doesn’t work, but it has two indentations on it that I would be able to recognise.

“My wedding ring was also taken, which is a silver coloured precious metal with five diamonds in it that was in a Vivienne Westwood box.”

The victim, who runs a business, is concerned that the loss of his items could lead to him having to file for bankruptcy as he is unable to replace stock he has lost.

“Growing up you could leave your front door open and go out for the day and not even dream that someone would enter your house. It’s really sad to see how society has changed.

“I had a safe in my house which contained a substantial amount of money and that has been taken and with that there has been significant damage to the property as the safe was in the wall.

“Not only am I having to deal with things that are missing but I am also going to have to cover the costs of repairing what has been damaged.

“All in all I have had £236,000 worth of items and money stolen from me.

“I am appealing to the public to get in touch if they recognise any of the items.

“ I am willing to reward anyone who can give me information that will lead to those responsible being apprehended.”

A police spokesman said: “Officers were called to an address in Birdwell on December 18 following reports of a burglary. It is reported that a safe containing a significant amount of money, military memorabilia, watches and electrical equipment was taken.

“It is believed that thieves targeted the property between December 7 and December 18 when the occupant was on holiday.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting crime reference number 14/189946/19.