A DEVELOPMENT of 49 homes is set to be built in Thurnscoe after plans were approved by the council’s planning board.

The site, on Brunswick Street, was allocated in the local plan for development and will consist entirely of affordable housing.

Initially for 60 properties, the application – approved at Tuesday’s meeting of the planning regulatory board – consists of 23 two-bed houses, 13 three-bed houses, four four-bed houses and nine two-bed bungalows.

A contribution of £81,093.35 is required to be handed over by the developer as part of a section 106 agreement for off-site green space provision, while £144,000 will be provided for education provision.

YOUTHS are ‘destroying their village’ following a rise in antisocial behaviour in Royston, a meeting was told.

During a heated discussion at the Royston PACT meeting (Police And Communities Together), residents spoke of their distress at the rise in antisocial behaviour.

One resident said youths were playing ‘chicken’ with their lives, riding bikes in front of cars and swearing at motorists.

A resident on Poplar Terrace said he feels like he ‘lives in a prison’ as he is forced to lock his gates each night and doesn’t dare let his dogs outside.

He said youths were hanging out in big groups, trampling on flowers, emptying bins and using foul language, but before police arrive, they’ve disbanded.

Sgt Richard Wilson said: “There is nowhere for the youths to go and we do spend a lot of time interacting with them.

"It’s not an offence for them to congregate and youths will have a tendency to disband and find another area to congregate.

“PC Sam Whitehead regularly patrols Royston Park and other areas.”

A THOMAS COOK staff member who works abroad as an entertainer has said he and other staff have ‘no idea when they will be paid or when they will be going home’ after the firm collapsed in the early hours of Monday.

The staff member, who does not wish to be named as he claims Thomas Cook HR have warned all staff not to talk to the press, is still in Cyprus where he works at a hotel.

Thomas Cook collapsed after last-minute negotiations at saving the 178-year-old firm failed.

In the early hours of Monday a message was sent out and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said the tour operator had ‘ceased trading with immediate effect’.

The collapse has also triggered the biggest ever peacetime repatriation, aimed at bringing more than 150,000 British holidaymakers home.

The tour operator’s failure puts 22,000 jobs at risk worldwide, including 9,000 in the UK. He said all staff in his hotel have been ‘left in the lurch’ and are getting daily conference updates from Thomas Cook but with ‘no real answers being given’ about pay or what the next step will be for staff in the hotel.

“It has been a complete nightmare really,” said the worker.

“We didn’t know anything about it until some guys in the hotel asked us if we knew and then we got a message saying that was it, Thomas Cook has collapsed. We couldn’t believe it.”

The team leader said he and other staff were told on Monday ‘not to go to work or talk about what happened’ and not to wear their uniform, but staff received another update later on the same day telling staff it was ‘business as usual’ and they were told to keep going ‘as if everything was normal’.

“The thing is we had guests flying out to us on Sunday night and they are here for two weeks so we have been told to stay,” he said.

“We don’t have a clue what’s happening really and it’s awful. We get updates but our questions aren’t really being answered. It’s all waiting around to know what is next.

“Local staff here have been really nice and saying how brave us Thomas Cook staff are for even continuing to go into work. The guests who have been with us for a week or more are really nice to us which makes all the difference.

“One couple here are getting married – our hotel is big for weddings – on Monday and they are supposed to have 34 guests flying out and it looks like it’s just them and their two children now.

They’ve invited all of us Thomas Cook staff to join them as well which was nice.”

The team leader said he is also unsure what is happening with bonds, which is what staff abroad have to pay at the start of each season to cover their board and other necessities, as this is only returned when a full season of work is completed.

“It is only given back when we finish our season and I was supposed to come home on November 1, but it is now looking like October 9. I don’t know if I will lose out on this money.

“It’s just all a complete shambles.”

HAZARDOUS liquid spilled onto a road causing it to close after a lorry hit a railway bridge.

Emergency services were called to Sheffield Road, Oxspring, at about 11am on Wednesday following reports that a lorry had hit a railway bridge.

The lorry tipped onto its side following the indecent, and liquid spilt onto the road, which was identified as hazardous to aquatic life.

Road and rail users faced disruption as the road was closed near the bridge, and trains between Barnsley and Penistone were suspended, with services not going to Silkstone Common or Dodworth.

Police, Fire crews and the Environment Agency attended at the scene and ensured the site was cleared safely.

A police spokesman confirmed that the driver was uninjured and no other vehicles were involved.

STRIKING new computer-generated images have been released this week of the landmark £5.6m bridge which will replace the Jumble Lane level crossing in the town centre.

The Market Bridge, which is being funded by both Barnsley Council and Network Rail, will take people from the new Market Gate car park over the railway line to the pedestrian area in front of the Transport Interchange’s main entrance.

This week will see a newly designed planning application being filed to make some changes to the previous design.

Sarah McHale, the town centre major projects officer, said: “The design has not changed drastically, but on the old design the sides of the bridge were about the height of a person.

“To enable cycling, we had to raise them higher.

“We’ve done a lot of work to make sure that people can see their route over the bridge.”

The plans also addressed worries regarding the temporary bridge and the number of users during busy events. It has had to close before and after Barnsley FC home matches as it cannot safely accommodate the number of people needing to use it, with a diversion via Eldon Street North in place.

“This new design has a five metre bridge deck and the steps on each end splay and widen to seven metres at the bottom.

“Things have been calculated to ensure that the bridge can take the capacity of people on the busiest football match days for example.”

The Market Bridge is expected to be completed by late 2021.

Sarah said: “We have a lot of work that’s been happening in the town centre before the bridge can go in, including a major sewer diversion and the building of the Cineworld.

“There is a sequence of works that needs to occur before we can get the bridge in, but we hope it’ll be something that was really worth waiting for.

Andrew Osborn, the regeneration project group leader, added: “There is a standard design of bridge from Network Rail but we wanted something much more because it will be a key gateway into Barnsley.

“We want to make a big statement to show just how great Barnsley is.”

Network Rail wanted to close the level crossing because it had been highlighted as one of the most dangerous in the country in terms of ‘near miss’ incidents.

AN INVESTIGATION has been launched following the death of a two-month old baby.

Emergency services were called to Midland Road, Royston, following concerns for a baby at the address.

The baby was taken to Barnsley Hospital but pronounced dead.

A police spokesman said: “An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death has now been launched and no arrests have been made.”

A GROUP has taken litter into their own hands and collected more than 200 bags of waste in Kendray.

The Friends of Kendray and Farm Road Park Facebook group, which has amassed more than 425 members, has been campaigning for cleaner streets in the area.

Kay Thewlis, of Broom Close, Kendray, started the Facebook group after her pet was injured on smashed glass which was left on Farm Road Park.

“I was taking my two grandchildren to play at the park and was disgusted by the state it was left in,” she said.

“There was litter everywhere. My dog cut his paw on a piece of broken glass left on the floor. After this, I knew that it could be dangerous so I reached out to a friend who suggested we start a Facebook page to keep the park safe and tidy.”

Because of the success of the initial Facebook group, other Kendray-based pages have been formed including Neville Avenue, Larch Place and Swanee Road groups.

Kay, 48, added: “At the moment, we have more than 425 members on our main page with eight main litter pickers who go around the area and pick regularly.

“Last week alone, the members spent around 40 hours litter picking and have collected more than 200 bags of litter since we began.

“Members and families have been going out litter picking and being social which has helped them with weight loss and mental health issues. We have had the full support of our local independent councillor, Andrew Gillis, who has happily got his hands dirty for our cause.”

The members want to continue their work and keep expanding. “There are some beautiful gardens in Kendray. Now that there’s been noticeable change, we want to award the Best Garden and Best Litter Picker in Kendray to showcase all of the hard work and keep people picking,” she said.

“With the help of the Ward Alliance, we are also hosting a fun day on October 6 at Farm Road Park. The event will help promote the importance of keeping your local area clean with games, stalls and tombolas.

“I’m glad that there has been noticeable change in the area, and I hope we can continue to clean up Kendray and keep it safe.”

POLICE have renewed their appeal for witnesses to a crash after a man died from his injuries.

Peter Armitage, 75, was loading items into the boot of his car on Melville Street, Wombwell, at 10.30am on June 29 when an 83-year-old woman, who was attempting to park her car behind him, collided with him.

Peter was taken to hospital where he remained until he died on August 18.

The woman was driving a silver Vauxhall Astra and was attempting to park behind a Hyundai i10 on Melville Street, close to the junction with High Street.

The Astra then collided with a wall and the front door of a house on the street.

His family said in a statement: “Peter was a devoted husband to Mary, Much loved dad to John and Mark and adored grandad to Gabriel, Jacob, Bea, Seth and Edith. We feel truly blessed to have had him in our lives.”

A police spokesman said: “Officers investigating the collision remain keen to hear from anyone who saw what happened and are encouraging anyone who has information but who hasn’t yet come forward to contact them.

“If you can help, please call 101 quoting incident number 338 of June 29.”

BARNSLEY is set to receive £2m in funding which will be used to regenerate and improve Eldon Street and aid The Civic’s refurbishment.

The town has been awarded the sum from a fund set up to help transform high streets across the country – after submitting a proposal that focuses on a heritage-led transformation of Eldon Street in the town centre.

The proposed scheme also includes work to Barnsley Civic’s historic frontage as well as a new cultural programme for the town, which will also be supported by Arts Council England.

Eldon Street was chosen for the project as it links The Glass Works redevelopment and the Old Town conservation area – one of 18 areas in Barnsley that have an architectural or historic interest.

The Old Town Conservation Area also includes a strong number of the town centre’s independent businesses including those on The Victorian Arcade, and is described as the main focus of the town centre’s ‘cultural offer’.

Barnsley will be working closely with Historic England between now and January to work up the detail of the programme and the funding to be awarded with more details promised ‘in due course’.

Leader of Barnsley Council, Coun Sir Steve Houghton, said: “We’re thrilled that Barnsley’s Eldon Street has been named as a new Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone.

“This not only complements the investment that the council is making in improving Barnsley town centre, but also enables local people to engage with their heritage and celebrate the new developments.

“We’ve already worked with Historic England at our Heritage Action Zone in Elsecar, so know firsthand how positive and productive this partnership will be. I have no doubt that this project will make an enormous difference to local people.”

Chief executive of The Civic Helen Ball said: “The Civic is incredibly proud to be part of Eldon Street becoming a Heritage Action Zone. We’re looking forward to playing our role in this next exciting development stage for the town centre.”

Trevor Mitchell, regional director for Historic England, said: “High streets are right at the heart of our communities. It’s fantastic news for the people and businesses of Barnsley that they will receive this much needed boost to help them bring new life to their historic high street.

“Our high streets face many challenges, with some historic buildings underused and down at heel, but with a little investment and imagination they can be transformed into vibrant places that attract new businesses and other new uses.

"Historic high streets have a crucial role to play in delivering economic growth and attractive environments in which we can live, work and play. Historic England is looking forward to working with the local community in Barnsley on this exciting historic high street project.”

Barnsley is one of 12 towns from the North East and Yorkshire which have been successful for the programme, which will regenerate high streets around England high streets with a £95m cash injection from the government.

A HIGH Street shop worker said she is ‘sick to death’ of anti-social behaviour in Barnsley town centre and claims it is the worst she’s seen in 22 years after a spate of incidents.

Katy Webster, who works for a retailer on Cheapside but asked for her employer not to be named, said there has been several incidents of criminal damage in the past month to the front of Sports Direct, New Look and Topshop, with windows being smashed or put through.

Katy, who has been working as a team leader for 22 years, said there were two incidents which ended in smashed windows in August, but also said that shoplifting has been on the rise.

“It's so frustrating that these things keep happening and it feels like those of us who work in the High Street shops are being left to deal with it ourselves,” said Katy, of Monk Bretton.

“People are getting angry at the state of the town centre and we can’t put everything down to people misusing substances. The police are making a big song and dance by saying there will be more presence in the town centre but that’s all it seems to be - a song and dance.

Katy said she knows the police are doing their best in helping to keep the town centre safe, but said she believes ‘more can be done’.

“The police are trying to do a town centre banning order but it takes a lot of paperwork to be able to take the people who keep causing damage to court.

"A lot of us who work in the town centre feel like it’s all going downhill. I have been working on here for 22 years and it seems like it is just getting worse.

“It feels like a losing battle and more needs to be done.”

Members of Barnsley Town Neighbourhood Policing Team said they are aware of a number of instances of ongoing anti-social behaviour (ASB) within the Peel Square, Eldon Street, and May Day Green areas of Barnsley town centre.

This includes four reports of criminal damage where windows were smashed on retail premises on Cheapside overnight on August 9.

A spokeswoman for the team said: “Reducing ASB and criminality is one of the primary roles of the neighbourhood team and while we acknowledge there are still ongoing issues, the town centre has seen ongoing reductions in ASB since the re-launch of neighbourhood policing.

“The policing priorities for the Town Neighbourhood Team are set in conjunction with town centre businesses and security staff at monthly meetings.

“This allows key offenders/problem causers to be identified by those working in the town, day in day out. The feedback from this targeted approach has been primarily positive and ensures the involvement of those affected by their actions.

“Officers will continue to take a long-term problem solving approach to target these offenders, prosecuting them where able and looking to obtain court orders to prevent further offending.”

The spokeswoman said that there has been a recent move for police officers and community support officers, as well as extra staffing, which will help ‘increase the visible policing presence in the town centre’.

A DRIVER had to be cut free from the wreckage of a car following a crash on Sunday morning.

Firefighters from Barnsley and Tankersley had to remove the roof from the car after being called to the incident near Glebe Farm Cottage on Tankersley Lane, Tankersley, at 9.57am.

Two cars had collided on the road, and while a spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the two people in one of the vehicles had escaped prior to the arrival of emergency services, the driver of the other was unable to get out.

The crews spent around an hour at the scene after ensuring the driver was safely removed from the car.

A POPULAR walking game that took place earlier this year in Barnsley is being hailed a success after a report has shown improvement in activity levels for adults and children across the borough.

More than 25,000 people walked, ran and cycled 144,810 miles for the Beat the Street game from June 5 to July 17.

The initiative saw special sensors called Beat Boxes placed on lampposts around the borough; participants walked, cycled and ran between these sensors to score points for their school or workplace teams.

A new report produced by Intelligent Health, the company that delivers Beat the Street, has shown that players became more physically active as a result of taking part, helping improve the health of people across Barnsley and beyond.

Participants were surveyed at the start of the game and immediately after to see if their activity habits had changed.

Additionally, many players reported that Beat the Street had helped encourage them to walk or cycle more often, visit new places and spend more time with their friends and family.

To commemorate their success, Beat the Street was able to present a cheque to Age UK Barnsley as the charity team whose participants walked the furthest.

Worsbrough Common Primary School also received £150 for coming top of the school leader boards and Barnsley Leaders Junior Basketball Club topped the average points leader board.

Speaking about the success of the initiative, Coun Jim Andrews, Barnsley Council cabinet spokesman for public health, said: “We’re delighted at the findings in this report and to see the legacy left by Beat the Street.

“Barnsley Council is committed to encouraging local residents to get more active and we hope to help improve the health and well-being for everyone across the borough.

"In the coming months, Beat the Street will continue to engage with residents to make sure that these changes continue into the future.”

The game was funded by The National Lottery on behalf of Sport England and Barnsley Council, with the aim of encouraging families to ditch the car and become more physically active by exploring their local community.

CALLOUS criminals targeting vulnerable adults living alone in Barnsley in order to exploit them for financial gain is an under-reported issue and needs to be addressed, social care bosses have admitted.

Family members and carers have been urged to be vigilant in spotting signs of suspected ‘mate crime’ after a number of recent incidents of vulnerable people being taken advantage of, which related to drugs and finance.

Mate crime occurs when criminals target vulnerable people, befriending them with a view to exploiting them for criminal activity.

Those targeted may be deceived or threatened, or it might be such a gradual process that they do not know something is wrong until it is too late.

In some circumstances, mate crime can lead to ‘cuckooing’ - where the home of a victim is taken over, often for use as a base for criminal activity.

Bob Dyson, chairman of Barnsley Safeguarding Adults Board, said: “I believe there is under-reporting in Barnsley and often the first time we get to know about an incident is when it’s raised. This abuse is unseen as some victims simply do not want to report it.

“There’s a reluctance because we often find out it’s family, a friend or someone who knows the victim and they don’t want to get them in trouble.

“It has a knock-on effect and we’re working on this to increase the awareness of the crime.”

“Cuckooing is something we’re aware of and it’s generally always those who are perceived as vulnerable involved.

“Criminals will befriend someone and it’s sad that often the victim’s mental capacity is deemed acceptable. That in itself puts a limit of the social care aspect as the person is assessed as being in control of their decisions, but sadly it’s not the case. We have safeguarding plans in place for this.

“We hear a lot about so-called cyber crime but the fact of the matter is that many elderly people are not on the internet, so things like cold-calling and cuckooing are an issue as it’s difficult for victims to admit to.

”Residents living nearby to vulnerable people have been asked to look out for an increase in visitors, a rise in antisocial behaviour, signs of drug use and a lack of healthcare visitors to a property.

If you suspect somebody is a victim of cuckooing, please contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

POLICE have issued an appeal after a woman failed to return home from her night out.

Kate Charnock, 28, of Sunnyside, Rotherham, was last seen in Yates bar on Hall Gate in Doncaster town centre at around 1am yesterday.

She is described as white, around 5’ 8 tall with blonde hair and was wearing a black and white leopard print dress.

A plice spokesman said: "Have you seen Kate? If you can help please call 101 quoting incident number 381 of September 22."

GOLD and silver coins thought to be worth more than £80,000 have been stolen from a house in Darfield, police say.

Detectives are appealing for the public’s assistance after exhausting all lines of enquiry following the theft from a property on Edderthorpe Lane at some point between Saturday June 22 and Sunday June 30.

The coins are around the same size as a 10p coin, and were stored in plastic tubes.

Detective Shaun Peel said: “We have conducted an extensive search of the property for fingerprints and evidence but believe our communities may have information that we need.

“We are keen to speak to anyone who has any information that can help them us with our enquiries, and from anyone who has been offered to buy gold or silver coins.

“If you have any information please call 101 quoting incident number 649 of June 30, 2019.”

DWINDLING numbers in one of Barnsley’s oldest Girl Guide units may mean the group will be forced to close.

The Royston Girl Guides group, which was established on May 4 1949, have been struggling to encourage girls to sign up and join its unit.

Girl Guides is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, an organisation which founded in 1910 because girls were demanding to take part in the then grassroots Boy Scout Movement.

The girls can join as a Rainbow from five-years-old, a Brownie from seven-years-old, a Guide from ten-years-old and Rangers from 14.

Chloe Morgan, who is one of the leaders at the Royston Girl guides said: “Over the years the unit has been very strong. It had to close once for about three months a couple years ago but other than that it has always thrived.

“Being part of Guides I feel is very beneficial because the girls have the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and take part in a lot of different activities and most of all they are learning life skills which they will carry with them throughout their lives and hopefully make a positive difference in the community.”

As it stands, the Royston unit only has five girls attending, and the unit can accommodate up to 24.

Chloe said: “Some of the girls will be moving to Rangers which will reduce our numbers further and unless more girls sign up, we will have no option but to close the unit.

“It’s quite upsetting that we are in this predicament especially because the unit has been running for over 70 years. We are passionate and we want the group to succeed and stay open. We would love more girls to sign up.

“If you are a parent of a girl aged ten to 14 please register your interest at girlguiding.org.uk and when you enter your postcode you can select the Royston unit.

“You do not have to live in Royston to join and we meet once a week.”

For further information contact Chloe on 07463740806.

A WOMAN who credits her long life with eating her favourite foods turned 100 yesterday surrounded by her family and friends.

Margaret Shuker was born September 19, 1919 in Egham, Surrey to parents Harry and Jessie.

Margaret met her husband Harry during the Second World War when her family would host soldiers who were unable to go home for Christmas.

“Dad was one of the soldiers who couldn’t go home for Christmas so he ended up staying with mum’s family,” said Margaret’s daughter, Chris.

“She was quite feisty when she was younger so I think that’s what caught his eye.

“I remember mum saying that they went to dances and how much they love to dance together.”

Harry spent Christmas with Margaret’s family in 1940, and the pair kept in contact until the end of the war when Harry asked permission to visit Margaret again.

“Dad was an army dispatch rider and he went all over during the war. He kept in contact with my mum and when he got home from the war he asked my grandad’s permission to take my mum out and to see her again.”

They were married on June 15, 1946, when Margaret was 29 years old. Together they had three children, two daughters and a son; Jane, now 71, Richard, now 69, and Chris, now 67.

After living in Manchester and Sandal, Margaret now lives in Mapplewell Manor Care Home in order to be close to her daughter, Chris.

“I think she is excited to be 100, although I don’t think she wants us to make a fuss of her,” said Chris.

“She had a party at the care home and it’s a great chance to get everyone together to celebrate.

“I think her tips for a long life would be to keep active, and a little bit of what you like never hurt you.”

A CHARITY that supports young homeless people has had a defibrillator installed thanks to a grant.

Centrepoint, based on Quarry View, Smithies, received a grant from the Old Town Ward Alliance who had given the charity a grant towards the Engage, Educate and Encourage Project.

The charity, which supports more than 60 homeless 16-25 year olds by providing them accommodation and support, ran the project to support South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in preventing road, fire and water emergencies within South Yorkshire.

Coun Jake Lodge, who works as a volunteer officer at Centrepoint, said: “We are positioned on one of the main routes in and out of Barnsley so having a defibrillator here is great.

“We have been teaching those who live with us the importance of this equipment which is great if we need it but also it is available to the community 24/7 which is also valuable.”

Coun Phil Lofts said: “We allocated funds to this particular project and we felt it was great to have a defibrillator located on a main road where is is accessible to the public.”

A CHARITY shop that is running out of donations to sell has launched an appeal for the public to help.

On the face of it, it can appear Age UK Barnsley is doing as well as ever as the shelves in its three shops are stocked with items brought in by the public.

But the charity’s bosses have warned that stocks are dwindling – with almost everything out on the shop floor and nothing to replace sold items.

“The shops themselves are as popular as ever in terms of customers, but donations have dropped off,” said spokesman Alec Olsen.

“Those donations are crucial part of the charity’s income as they turn into funds Age UK can use.

“Not everything goes on the shop floor at once, and the stuff not on the shop floor is reaching levels lower than we’d hoped.

“We know people tend to think national charities can manage, and because it’s Age UK that’s the case – but Age UK and Age UK Barnsley are two different organisations and all our money is spent in the borough.

“And because the shop still looks pretty much as it normally does on the face of it, it doesn’t look like there’s a problem.”

The charity, which campaigns to reduce loneliness and social isolation among Barnsley’s elderly population, has been in operation for 45 years and in that time opened three shops in the town centre, Cudworth and Wombwell.

The shops accept anything from furniture, clothing and household goods to books, music and DVDs. Items can be donated at any of the shops during opening hours and a collection service is available for furniture and larger items.

Tina Heaton, the charity’s deputy chief executive, said: “Donations of items that people no longer want are crucial to funding our services for older people in Barnsley and we are very grateful for them.

“People can give as individuals, but companies could consider setting up a collection point and encouraging staff to bring something in.”

For more information or to arrange a collection contact Age UK Barnsley on 776820.

PLANS to transform a former town hall into a 21-apartment complex are set to be approved at next week’s meeting of the council’s planning regulatory board.

Hoyland Town Hall was the town council’s administrative hub until it was disbanded in 1974, and since then the High Street building has been used for a number of office functions.

Plans were handed to Barnsley Council’s planning department in June to convert its first and second-floor office spaces into 21 apartments with a mix of studio, one-bed and two-bed dwellings.

And a report issued to the planning board ahead of its meeting on Tuesday recommends that the plans be approved – subject to a section 106 agreement from the developers.

The work ties into wider regeneration of Hoyland’s town centre which has seen its market moved, a new car park created and additional shops opening.

A previous application for the building to be turned into apartments was refused in 2017, and while this was sent to appeal an inspector ruled in favour of the council.

The new application reduces the number of apartments from the initially slated 27, after issues were raised over room sizes, levels of light and privacy for occupants.

A MAN who was found asleep behind the wheel of a car he had bought for his girlfriend has been banned from driving after alcohol was found in his breath.

On June 19, Gregory Hardman, 38, of Methley Street, Cudworth, was found asleep by police at a lay-by on Sandybridge Lane, Shafton, in a Volkswagen Golf.

Following several attempts to wake Hardman up, a roadside breath test was taken and he was found to be over the limit.

The car was also found to be without a valid MOT certificate and Hardman had no insurance to drive the vehicle.

Barnsley Magistrates’ Court was told how Hardman had bought the car four days earlier as a gift for his girlfriend. As he had nowhere to park it, he left it at the lay-by.

A few days later, he received a phone call advising him that youths were ‘eyeing up’ the car, and Hardman decided to sleep in the vehicle in a bid to prevent the vehicle from being damaged or taken.

The court was told that Hardman never intended to drive the vehicle, and he had full intentions of making the vehicle road-legal.

Upon sentencing, District Judge Joanne Hirst accepted that Hardman had not planned to go to the vehicle that evening or drive the car.

Hardman was banned from driving for six months and fined £365.

‘DISRESPECTFUL’ youths are using a cemetery as a place to exchange drugs, residents at a PACT meeting claimed.

During a heated discussion at the Royston Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting held on Tuesday, residents on New Street raised their concerns at the rise in cars driving in and out of Royston Cemetery throughout the night, in what appears to be a meeting place for drug dealers and users.

One resident who lives on the street branded the act ‘disrespectful’, and said the cemetery used to be locked on a night, preventing such activity happening.

The lock was removed ‘a while ago’, leaving the cemetery open at all hours.

Coun Caroline Makinson, who represents the Royston ward, said: “The cemetery does need locking on a night and I will be passing on my concerns to bereavement services. I am not sure why the chain was removed.”

The issue of drugs in the North East area was a huge topic at the meeting, with residents from Monk Bretton raising concerns about drug use on St Helen’s Way, where there is a phone box.

Residents complained that the increase in the number of people using the phone box as a place to sell drugs was preventing pensioners from wanting to go outside or go into Sainsbury’s through fear.

Fear was also a factor preventing residents from reporting the incident, a matter which Sgt Richard Wilson said should not be the case.

“My team is not going to clear Barnsley of drugs but it is important that you report it, whether it’s by contacting 101 or calling Crimestoppers anonymously.

“We are aware of the drug situation arising in Monk Bretton and Royston and we have been running operations to sweep up users and investigate individuals.

“We need people to report what is happening so we can build a picture of where the issues are and along with our intelligence, we can apply for things such as search warrants. We need the information to support what we can do.

“Now that I am aware of what is happening, I am quite happy to look into drugs and place particular focus on the New Street area of Royston.”

A MODEL who was crowned the winner of a beauty pageant said she was proud to feature on page three of a national newspaper this week.

Apollonia Llewellyn, 19, appeared in the Daily Star, after modelling for the paper the previous week.

The former Barnsley College student from Grimethorpe won the teen category of the Supermodel England beauty pageant in 2017 and 2018, and this year, went to Fiji to represent England at the teen world finals.

Apollonia said: “This is the biggest achievement in my career since I’ve participated in the pageant.

“I was approached by the paper and invited for an interview two years ago but commitments at the time meant I couldn’t go. I contacted them and they invited me down for a shoot but said they couldn’t promise anything.

“My shoot was over in ten minutes and I was told that I would be featured a week later. I was so surprised.”

Apollonia moved to Barnsley from Dewsbury to escape bullying. It became so bad that she was afraid to leave the house and would often cry herself to sleep.

But she says all that changed when she did a photo shoot for her 13th birthday and she has never looked back since.

“I felt like a royalty when I went for the (Daily Star) shoot. There was a hairstylist, make-up artist and stylist at the studio and it was a fantastic experience. I’ve been invited back and I’m excited to do it again.”

Apollonia, who has more than 25,000 followers on Instagram, has received several messages of support congratulating her on her achievement.

“I am shocked at the level of support I have received.

“My boyfriend got a message saying what I was doing was disrespectful towards him, but it’s no different to me wearing a bikini on the beach. He is proud of me and so is the rest of my family.”

TWO Range Rovers were deliberately torched in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Firefighters from Cudworth were called to Radcliffe Road, Athersley North, at 2.06am where the two cars, one parked on the drive of a property and the other on the road side, were found in flames.

The crew spent around 20 minutes dealing with the incident, with investigators confirming it to have been started deliberately.

A FORMER Barnsley FC striker has achieved another goal by opening a new church.

Bruce Dyer, 44, has founded Love Life UK Church, based on Blucher Street, in a bid to create a place for people to come and learn more about God.

The church is based in the same building that missionary James Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission, attended.

The Salem Wesleyan Reform Church merged with Hunningley WR church and keen to keep the building as a practising church, allowed Bruce to use the building to continue his work.

“There is a lot of history in the church and it felt right to take on this building at this time,” said Bruce.

“Our church is a place where you can come and meet, and learn more about Jesus. I want to help people spiritually.”

The family based church is non-denominational and Bruce is the Pastor. He began leading the church two years ago but it’s only this year its members decided to find a place of their own and launch officially.

The church is open to all ages and they have individuals who teach Sunday school and youth church. The church officially held its first service on Sunday.

Bruce said: “The building was dedicated the week before and we had a wonderful first church service. At the moment we have around 30 people in our congregation. We love Jesus and we love the community.”

The service will be held each week from 4pm to 6pm.

BARNSLEY'S own Katharine Kelly joins a star-studded cast for a crime drama with a difference.

She is part of the primary cast of Criminal, which starts on Netflix today, starring alongside David Tennant.

The ambitious new series comprises 12 different stories set across four different countries and filmed in four different languages.

The action takes place exclusively within the confines of a police interview suite. The UK, France, Germany and Spain have three episodes each in what is described by Netflix as 'a stripped-down cat and mouse drama'.

So far there are no details of the character to be played by Katharine – well known for her stint in Coronation Street and top dramas such as Cheat. Hayley Atwell and Lee Ingleby of the A Word are also among the cast.

A MAIN road into Barnsley is currently closed following a crash which has left a car on its roof.

Old Mill Lane is expected to remain closed for the next 40 minutes following the incident at 2.15pm.

A police spokesman said enquires to establish what happened are ongoing.

POLICE are hunting for a bike that was stolen from a  garage.

The green Kawasaki KXF250 was stolen between 11pm and 11.30pm on Tuesday night from Wier Close, Hoyland.

Officers have been making enquires to trace the bike,  registration YN64 GXM.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 14/141857/19.

A BARNSLEY woman let her young step-daughter take the razor when she had her hair off in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Biba Hair, based on Doncaster Road, held a coffee morning on Wednesday in addition to their client, Gemma Sanders ‘braving the shave’.

Gemma Sanders, 27, of Bank End, Worsbrough Common, said: “I saw an advert on Facebook about Brave the Shave and I had never heard of it before.

“I have family members who have been affected by cancer and I thought it would be a great way to raise money for a wonderful charity.

On the day I just went with the flow I wasn’t nervous I was more excited. I’ve managed to raise £400 for Macmillan and I want to thank Biba Hair for doing it an allowing my stepdaughter to have a go. She was super excited to shave my hair.”

Biba Saxon, who owns Biba hair said: “It was a fantastic day in the shop and we raised an amazing £140. We had other local businesses donate raffle prizes and we also held a bake sale. Thank you to everyone who came in and bought a ticket for the raffle.”

FIREFIGHTERS have been tackling a fire which broke out at a house early this afternoon.

Three crews from Cudworth, Tankersley and Barnsley were called at 12.20pm following reports that a house was on fire at Yews Lane, Kendray.

There are currenly no reports of any injuries and it isn’t thought there’s anyone inside.

A cause of the fire has not yet been established.

A WOMAN who harassed elderly and vulnerable victims for money has been jailed.

Claire Louise Hambleton, 35, formally of Mount Road, Barnsley, was investigated by officers from the Cudworth policing team, Barnsley Council’s Safer Neighbourhood Services, Berneslai Homes and Victim Care, under the ‘Joining Forces’ initiative.

Hambleton was found to be targeting elderly victims, many of whom were vulnerable and had no family or loved ones living nearby, harassing them persistently for money and other items.

At Barnsley Magistrates Court, she pleaded guilty to five counts of harassment against five separate victims. Hambleton was also handed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), which will come into effect upon her release from prison.

The conditions include her being prohibited from approaching any person within Barnsley to ask for money, cigarettes or anything else for personal gain. She is also prohibited from attending anyone’s address and asking for money.

Sgt Richard Wilson, from the Cudworth police team, said: “We and our partner agencies are determined to use all measures available to us to protect people from this sort of criminal behaviour.

“Hambleton exploited vulnerable members of our community and her harassment left them feeling scared to leave their homes for fear of bumping into her. This is completely unacceptable.

“I am pleased with the custodial sentence given to Hambleton at court and with the court’s decision to impose a Criminal Behaviour Order, which should offer some respite to our communities.

“It has been a tough period of time for the victims, who have been brave enough to speak out and report Hambleton’s criminality. With the help of our partners, we hope we have made a difference to their lives, whilst also preventing Hambleton targeting any new victims.”

Coun Jenny Platts, cabinet spokesperson said: “We’re pleased with the outcome of the case and hope it will restore peace to the lives of the victims.

“We want to make our communities a safe place for all of our residents and this is a further step towards that. We would like to thank all of the partners involved for their significant input into this case.”

BARNSLEY Council is set to declare a ‘climate emergency’ with plans to create a zero-carbon borough earlier than its original target.

The council says its strategy is to reduce pollution levels and bosses are aiming to a achieve a zero carbon borough by 2040 – ten years sooner than the government is aiming for nationally – as air pollution has been cited as the fourth biggest threat to public health after cancer, heart disease and obesity.

However, the declaration of a climate emergency is seen as a statement of intent, a council report said, and the 2040 target could be hit sooner as a result.

A report, which will be discussed by ruling cabinet members at Barnsley Town Hall on Wednesday, said: “A climate emergency declaration issued by a council can only be a powerful catalyst for action if paired with a clear deliverable action plan.

“Several early adopters with shorter end dates have had to extend their timeframes because they found the dates were unachievable and unaffordable.

“The council may be challenged that 2040 is not ambitious enough. Most other local authorities who have declared climate emergencies have carbon neutrality targets of 2030 or 2035. Environmental activists have openly challenged targets of even 2035.

“While a 2030 target may be unobtainable it is however a statement of intent and many local authorities have declared for 2030 on that basis.”

A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to develop a major tract of Barnsley’s green belt will reduce congestion thanks to a new relief road which is included in the fiercely contested plan, according to a councillor.

Coun Sharon Howard, who represents the Darton West ward, told cabinet members that the relief road which is included in the Barnsley West MU1 masterplan will ‘bring a solution’ to Higham Common Road’s congestion.

The site is bordered by Pogmoor, Higham, Gawber and Barugh Green and is currently open fields but 1,700 new homes, a new primary school and employment land with a link road connecting it to the M1 could be built on it in the future.

“Hopefully the road will divert traffic away from Higham Common Road as it’s really narrow - highways officers will be working on this over and above what they normally would do,” she added.

“The relief road will bring a solution to that area and while the message to residents is that the local plan’s already been agreed, it’s important they have their say on what goes on this site.

"I encourage everyone to do exactly that through the consultation process. Two more will be set up specifically for Redbrook’s TARA (tenants’ and residents’ association) which is close-by and Keep It Green 2014.”

However, former Barnsley Central MP and Pogmoor resident Eric Illsley, a member of campaign group Keep It Green 2014, refuted Coun Howard’s claim.

He added: “The housing estate is effectively a new village - how can the prospect of having up to 5,000 residents in that area possibly reduce congestion?

“Add the HGV traffic associated with the warehouses which have also been allocated to be built on the site and most people will see that a relief road will not do anything for surrounding villages’ traffic concerns.”

A community consultation on the MU1 masterplan started yesterday and will run until October 24, with two drop-in sessions which will be held on September 23 at Barugh Green Private Members’ Club and St Thomas Community Centre, Gawber, on October 10, both from 3pm until 7pm.

Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “MU1 is the largest masterplan area proposed in Barnsley from the local plan and it’s important we consider the impact of the potential development through this framework.

"The consultation will provide nearby residents, businesses and community groups with the opportunity to shape the future of the site.

"I encourage anyone with an interest in the area to complete the online consultation or attend one of the drop-in events.

“Your views are important to us, and all feedback will be analysed to inform the final masterplanning framework.”

Visit barnsleywest.co.uk to have your say online.

A FOOTBALL legend returns to his hometown to look back on his successful career.

Mick McMarthy, who played more than 250 games for Barnsley FC, is hosting An Evening with McCarthy at The Garrison.

The footballer will be sharing stories from his time playing for the club, as well as his managerial stints at Republic of Ireland, Sunderland and Ipswich.

Mick received two promotions while at his hometown club, playing for Manchester City and Celtic to name a few. It will be an opportunity to ask Mick about his amazing career that has spanned over 40 years.

The event takes place on Friday from 7.30pm at The Garrison.

To book tickets, visit the website Skiddle and search An Evening with Mick McCarthy.

A THREE-YEAR-OLD who is smiling his way through 18 months of gruelling cancer treatment will go to Disneyland in Paris - thanks to the generosity of well-wishers in Barnsley.

Toddler George Singleton was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma when he was two and started immediate treatment after doctors found the cancer had spread.

Doctors gave an initial survival rate of just 30 per cent, which has increased to 50 per cent according to the family, and although the tumour has shrunk it’s currently inoperable as it is wrapped around a main artery.

The youngster, from Penistone, is in the midst of an 18-month spell of intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where this week he has been undergoing antibody treatment.

But a Just Giving page - set up with the intention of funding an end-of-treatment trip for George, his sister Polly-Anna and brother Deacan - has already raised more than £4,000.

Mum Claire Denton told the Chronicle: “Our family is overwhelmed by the generosity people have shown, many who are complete strangers who have taken the story to their hearts. We can’t thank them enough for that.

“What George is going through is still shocking and heartbreaking for us because our little boy is in so much pain - we can’t take it away from him like we would wish to.

“He’s been through intense chemotherapy, had stem cell replacement and had a rare complication through that - veno-occlusive disease (VOD) - in his liver.

“He had radiotherapy after that and he’s started a six-month course of antibody treatment but he’s had a temperature this week as a result.”

Claire became concerned about George’s health due to a persistent bellyache and, upon seeing a GP who referred him to Barnsley Hospital, he ended up at Sheffield where he’s been receiving treatment since.

Neuroblastoma most frequently starts from one of the adrenal glands, but can also develop in the neck, chest, abdomen or spine and symptoms include bone pain or a lump in the abdomen, neck or chest.

Claire, who works at Morrisons near Barnsley town centre, paid tribute to her colleagues who raised more than £1,100 when they heard about George’s plight.

“There’s so many people who have donated so George can have his wish at the end of his treatment,” Claire said.

“I can’t believe what people have done for us, including those who know our family like my workmates but also others who have donated whatever they can.

“It’s heartbreaking to see him in hospital but he takes everything in his stride and fights each day.

“He deserves the world - he’s a little soldier and we’re forever proud of him.”

Visit the Just Giving page and type in Caitlin Denton

A COMPANY which runs several Barnsley pubs has been fined more than £10,000 after failing to provide correct allergen information for its food.

On an inspection at the Ash Inn, Wombwell, in September, council food officers found a meal listed as gluten-free was found to contain gluten, and one declared as not containing milk contained milk - both of which would’ve been at dangerous levels for allergen sufferers.

And Timeless Inns, which runs that pub as well as Old Moor Tavern, Wombwell and Red Lion, Worsbrough, was subsequently charged under the Food Safety Act 1990 and the Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations 2013 and fined at Sheffield Magistrates Court last Thursday.

Coun Jim Andrews, cabinet spokesman for public health, said: “We are committed to ensuring that local food outlets are providing allergenic information to customers accurately.

“We want our residents to have confidence that the information provided by businesses about their food is correct. Where we find businesses are disregarding public protection laws, we will take appropriate enforcement action.

“I hope this sends a clear message to any businesses that are not taking allergen information seriously.”

The court was told that between April 2017 and August 2018, Timeless Inns were offered formal advice on allergens on eight separate occasions.

Authorised food officers had carried out inspections of Timeless Inns premises in Barnsley, sent letters and emails advising on the importance of providing accurate allergen information, with information on how to comply with regulations.

Timeless Inns pleaded guilty to providing misleading information regarding allergens to customers and received a fine and costs totalling £10,152.

On passing sentence, district judge Naomi Redhouse told the company she had taken into account the fact that they ignored concerns by regulators and had fallen short of the appropriate standard required of a food business and this failure could have had serious adverse effects.