A NEW addition to a local fire station is aiming to raise funds for the service’s charity.

Penistone Fire Station has installed a clothing bin which is positioned outside the station near the Springvale council depot and is encouraging people to 'bag it and bank it' by recycling their unwanted items.

A fire service spokesperson said: “The Fire Fighters Charity has run a successful clothes recycling scheme since 2009 and in the last 12 months over £600,000 was raised for the charity. 

“The clothing bin has been positioned outside our station, near the Springvale council depot.

“We please ask that only items listed below are placed into the clothing bank. 

"Adult and children’s clothing, Socks, Coats, Underwear, Paired shoes, Handbags and Linen.

“Our recycling partners manage our recycling initiative across the UK, with donations of £120 per tonne coming straight to the charity from clothing banks on fire stations and community sites.”

A LOCAL artist and former student at Barnsley College is creating a stunning new mural celebrating the spirit of the college.

The cafe area of The Open Kitchen restaurant at the college is undergoing an exciting transformation as Adam Briscoe creates a mural recognising the vibrant community within the restaurant.

The project, which is part of The Open Kitchen’s recent revamp, was arranged through Kerry Bowden, a team member at the restaurant and a former schoolmate of Adam. His bespoke design will cover an entire wall, capturing the essence of the college’s diverse subject areas and lively atmosphere.

Adam, a former student of both bricklaying and childcare at the college, will continue to visit the College intermittently over the coming weeks to complete his creation. Guests are invited to enjoy the restaurant as usual during this time, with the added opportunity to see Adam’s artistic process live if their visits align.

Reflecting on his return to Barnsley College, Adam shared: “It’s great to be back at college.

“I came originally to study bricklaying, but there was a bit of a dip in the market at that time, so I started working in childcare. I came back to college during my time working at a nursery, to complete my NVQ Level 2 Children and Young People Apprenticeship.

“I then left childcare to go travelling, came back and have been doing this since. I haven’t been doing it for too long, but it’s going well. I hadn’t really had much of an art background before, but I had always been ‘arty’.”

Adam hopes his story inspires students to embrace change and explore their passions: “I hope the students look at what I’m doing and see that they don’t have to follow conventional career paths, or can change careers if they need to. You shouldn’t be afraid to follow your interests, move around and do different things. I think it’s good to be adaptable and not to be afraid of change.

“You don’t need to worry about getting a ‘real’ job if that isn’t for you, find where you are valued and do what you enjoy.”

A PACKAGE of measures to help struggling businesses in Barnsley has been agreed in a bid to boost the borough’s high streets.

Barnsley Council will provide £3.5m in rate relief for eligible businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

This relief will help around 630 local businesses, while national chains will be excluded from the scheme.

Rent reductions of 25 per cent will be offered to tenants of the Glass Works and Alhambra – as well as traders in the borough’s markets – helping to keep costs down for small businesses.

During last Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, council leader Sir Steve Houghton said that the authority was introducing help ‘when the borough needs it most’.

“We know it’s a difficult period in the economy and for particularly small businesses, so being able to help them absolutely matters,” he added.

“People need to understand and recognise that we’re only able to do that because we manage effectively the council’s business, its services and of course its finances.

“We’re doing it at a time when the borough needs it most. Do we need to still do more? Of course we should – we’re not complacent.”

MORE people in Barnsley entered insolvency last year, new figures show.

Figures from the Insolvency Service show 699 people in Barnsley entered insolvency in 2024, up from 596 the year before.

A person becomes insolvent when they are unable to pay their debts and are left with a choice of declaring bankruptcy or taking on other measures to pay them back.

The insolvencies last year in Barnsley were made up of 28 bankruptcies, 233 debt relief orders and 438 individual voluntary arrangements. Overall, the area had a rate of 35 insolvencies per 10,000 adults.

The figures revealed significant regional disparity, with the rate of personal insolvencies highest in the north-east at 33 per 10,000 adults. Meanwhile, it was lowest in London at 15 per 10,000.

Grace Brownfield, head of influencing and communications at the Money Advice Trust, said the rise in personal insolvencies is a ‘sign of the significant impact high costs have had on people’s finances’.

She added: “With household budgets being stretched even further, we’re seeing more people falling into difficulty and needing to access an insolvency option to deal with their debts.

“The consistently higher rate in the north-east could indicate the impact of longstanding economic inequalities in the region such as historically lower wages, higher unemployment and a greater reliance on industries vulnerable to economic instability, all made more prevalent as the cost-of-living crisis continues.”

The figures also show the insolvency rate for women – 27 per 10,000 – was higher than for men – 22 per 10,000 – for the eleventh successive year.

Similarly, the rate in Barnsley was 38 per 10,000 for women and 33 per 10,000 for men.

Simon Trevethick, head of communications at StepChange, said the regional and gendered differences are ‘not a surprise’.

He added: “Whilst the drivers of debt are complex and wide, we consistently find that certain regions and demographics are over-represented in our client base.

“Specifically, women are overrepresented among people seeking debt advice, as almost two-thirds of our clients are women.

“What’s more, our client stats show that women have a higher average expenditure and a lower average income than men – meaning their ability to pay debts or seek financial support is more difficult.”

PLANS to build 12 new properties in Bolton-upon-Dearne have been approved by the council.

An application for work to start off Church Street was originally submitted to the council in April 2022. These plans were given the green light by Barnsley Council’s planning board last week.

PLANNING permission is being sought to erect ten new houses in Brierley. If approved, a bungalow, farmhouse and outbuildings at Pear Tree Farm, on Church Street, will be demolished to make way for the work. Nineteen neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date. A target decision date of April 30 has been set.

PLANS to convert a Cudworth takeaway into four residential units have been approved by the council. An application for work to take place on Barnsley Road were originally submitted to the council in February. These plans were given the green light by Barnsley Council’s planning board last week.

PLANS to demolish a property in Billingley and replace it with another have been submitted to the council’s planning board. An application for work to take place on Chapel Lane was originally submitted to the council in March. Twelve neighbouring properties have been made aware of the application with no appeals to date. Public consultation ends on April 23.

PLANS to change the use of a decorator shop in Darfield have been approved. An application for work to take place on a unit on Edward Street were submitted to the council in January. The unit on Edward Street will be turned into an upholstery shop on the ground floor. Its first floor offices will be converted into a studio flat. The plans were approved by the council last week. 

A NEW micropub is set to be added to Mapplewell after plans were approved. An application to change the use of a takeaway into the drinking establishment were submitted to the council in December. These plans were given the green light last week.

A BARNSLEY resident has been prosecuted for selling illegal tobacco products in a  town centre pub.

Kevin Denton Fisher, 67, of Day Street, Barnsley, was found to be selling illegal tobacco products from Chennells public house in May last year.

His activities initially came to the attention of South Yorkshire Police, who seized the illegal goods and passed them onto our Trading Standards team.

In February, Mr Fisher pleaded guilty in Barnsley Magistrates’ Court to multiple offences relating to supplying or selling illegal tobacco products.

The seized products did not comply with UK packaging regulations, relating to their colour and shade, and had inadequate health warnings.

On Thursday, March 27, he was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge, meaning he could be re-sentenced and face further penalties if he commits any further offence during that period. Mr Fisher was also ordered to pay £776 for his offences, covering costs and the victim surcharge.

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “Our teams are committed to tackling and preventing the sale of illegal tobacco in Barnsley, protecting the health and safety of our communities.

“While all tobacco poses significant health risks, these unregulated products can contain higher levels of harmful substances, meaning they could be even more dangerous to people’s health.

“This result is a fantastic example of how we will take action against anyone selling illegal tobacco in our borough and putting our communities at risk. I’d like to thank our Regulatory Services and Legal Services teams as well as South Yorkshire Police for their dedication to keeping our communities safe and making this prosecution possible.”

A CHARITY is launching a new online platform to equip local professionals with the knowledge to better support women facing domestic abuse.

Resolute Women’s Support Service, founded by domestic abuse survivor Deborah Jones, from Cudworth, has developed the initiative with funding from the Brelms Trust.

The programme offers 25 fully-funded places for local practitioners, giving them access to vital training and resources to help signpost women at risk to specialist support services.

Deborah, who set up Resolute to provide a lifeline for women in need, said: “Many women don’t know where to turn or who to disclose abuse to.

“It’s crucial that we educate our community about domestic abuse.

“Survivors have bravely shared their experiences to shape this training, ensuring it is both powerful and practical.

“Thanks to the Brelms Trust, we can now reach even more people and spread awareness on a much larger scale.”

A RECORD number of children were living in poverty in Barnsley last year, the latest figures show.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show 13,901 children under 16 in Barnsley were living in relative poverty in the year to March – up from 13,418 the year before and the highest since comparable records began in 2013/14.

It meant 31 per cent of children in the area were in households whose income was below 60 per cent of the average income, and also claimed child benefit with at least one other household benefit.

Across the UK, 2.7 million children were living in relative poverty, including 313,918 children in Yorkshire and The Humber.

This national number increases to over 4.4 million children when looking at income after housing costs and including kids aged between 16 and 19 in full-time education – the highest number since national records started in 2002/03.

Charity Save the Children has warned that without immediate action, this could be the ‘first Labour government that oversees a significant rise in child poverty – a record no-one wants’ – and described the latest data as ‘a source of national shame’.

The End Child Poverty coalition added the data should be seen as a ‘stark warning’ to government, adding record-high numbers of children in poverty ‘isn’t the change people voted for’.

The government’s own impact assessment, published on Wednesday, estimated welfare reforms planned by Chancellor Rachel Reeves could see 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children, fall into poverty by 2029/30.

Charities urged a U-turn on the plans, saying the announced cuts to disability and incapacity benefits will ‘push more disabled people into poverty and worsen people’s health’.

Oxfam’s domestic poverty lead, Dr Silvia Galandini, said: “These latest poverty figures are as damning as they are heartbreaking.

“This is before recent brutal cuts, where the Chancellor chose to remove vital security and safety from those who need it the most instead of taxing the super-rich.

“It is unconscionable that the government is cutting social security while wilfully ignoring the huge potential revenue of a tiny tax on the super-rich, one that is overwhelmingly backed by the British public.”

BARNSLEY FC players Rogan Ravenhill and Connor Barratt visited a local school to talk about their footballing journeys recently.

The pair met pupils at Outwood Primary Academy Littleworth Grange in Lundwood and answered questions about life as a footballer. 

A spokesperson for the community trust said: “The players popped into classes two and three as part of Careers Week, sharing insights about their footballing journeys. They even got stuck in with some passing drills during year two’s PE lesson.”

A SUPPORTED living service which provides support to people with a learning disability in Barnsley have been praised by the Care Quality Commission.

Sun Healthcare Domiciliary Service, based on Huddersfield Road, cares for ten people at its premises, with 16 people supported with personal care.

It received a ‘good’ rating following its latest inspection.

The report states: “We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

“The outcomes for people using the service reflected the principles and values of ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ in the promotion of choice, control, independence and inclusion.

“Right support: Staff had taken great care to ensure peoples voices and choices were heard and to enable people to build and stay in control of their own lives.

“People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible and in their best interests; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

“Right Care: People received kind and compassionate care. People had comprehensive care plans which detailed their strengths and needs and promoted their dignity and independence.

“Right Culture: The provider had an effective governance system in place to identify issues we found on inspection. Staff knew and understood people well and were responsive, supporting their aspirations to live a quality of life of their choosing.”

MOTORISTS will be prevented from turning right at an ‘extremely difficult’ junction after numerous reports of vehicles scraping walls and getting stuck.

Barnsley Council approved a traffic order banning right turns out of Grove Street on to Bank End Road in Worsbrough, in a move aimed at tackling the ongoing issue of vehicles getting stuck at the junction, which required vehicles to turn at a 335-degree angle.

A report to the cabinet states that the angle between the roads and the difference in gradient makes the left-turn manoeuvre ‘extremely difficult’.

It adds that many vehicles are becoming stuck, either on the wall between Bank End Road and Grove Street or are striking the wall to the south side of Grove Street.

The same problem has also occurred due to vehicles turning right out of Grove Street, to travel east on Bank End Road, a council report added.

BARNSLEY North MP Dan Jarvis has welcomed the news that local pharmacies will benefit from government investment.

The government is shifting care from hospitals into the community. Community pharmacies will play a vital role in delivering patient services at convenient locations under the Plan for Change, as well as helping the government’s wider objectives to build an NHS fit for the future.

The investment is the first full-year funding package agreed by the sector since 2023, providing community pharmacies with an extra £617m over two years.

It comes alongside reforms to deliver a range of patient benefits so that people can more easily access care and support on their high streets.

Dan said: “After years of neglect, we saw the pressure facing community pharmacies across Barnsley. This government promised we’d shift the focus of care from hospital to community and, through the investment announced, that’s exactly what we’re delivering for high streets and patients in our communities.”

A BARNSLEY restaurant has been handed a new two-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

Jamie’s Diner, based on Furlong Road in Bolton-upon-Dearne, was given the score following an assessment on February 24.

Meanwhile, a staff canteen have been handed a four-star rating. The Company Cafe, based at The Company Shop in Tankersley, was given the score following an assessment on February 21.

And it was top marks for two others – Premdor Canteen at Premdor on Birthwaite Business Park, was handed a five-out-of-five rating after assessment on March 20. And Hubery’s Fish and Chips, a takeaway on Church Street, Brierley, was also given a score of five.

COUNCIL bosses have agreed to refurbish a memorial for stillborn babies.

The memorial, located in Barnsley Cemetery on Cemetery Road, was unveiled by then-mayor Alice Wood in July 1986.

Councillor Jake Lodge asked Barnsley Council to restore the memorial before the upcoming anniversary next year, which has now been agreed.

The memorial holds personal significance for Coun Lodge, whose sister, stillborn in 1990, is buried in the cemetery.

Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for highways and environment, said: “The memorial stone in Barnsley Cemetery that commemorates stillborn children is a poignant tribute and a source of comfort to parents and families in the borough who have suffered a hugely traumatic event.”

A SUSPECTED thief will appear in court next week.

William Quinn, of Osborne Street, Barnsley, denies stealing alcohol, washing pods and confectionery from B and M. The 28-year-old was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

AN uninsured and unlicensed drink-driver has been fined. David Minett, of Newtown Avenue, Cudworth, was stopped by police on nearby York Street on February 23. Police found Minett, 37, was driving a Ford Transit Custom without a licence or insurance. A breath test saw him register 83mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – more than twice the legal limit. He was disqualified from driving for 20 months and fined £323.

A MAN who failed to adhere to the terms of a court-imposed community order has been re-sentenced. Kevin Rogers, of Whitegate Stables, Brierley, appeared at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Monday to admit breaching a requirement which meant he had to attend keep-in-touch days with probation workers. The 35-year-old was told to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work.

A BARUGH Green man who is accused of three counts of assault and theft will appear before court later this month. Matthew Hume, of St Austell Drive, admitted stealing joints of meat from his local Lidl store but denies assaulting three people on October 4 last year. The 38-year-old will appear at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court for his trial on April 17.

A THIEF who targeted three town centre shops has been given a community order. Lee Turton, of Beevor Court, Barnsley stole three tubs of whey protein from Holland and Barrett, air freshener plug-ins from Poundland and a bodywarmer from Primark. The 44-year-old was told to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

A SCHEME which aims to cut energy bills by installing low-carbon technology in social housing has won a national award.

Energise Barnsley (EB) has won the ‘Just Transition’ Scheme Award at the Green Energy Award Winners 2025.

It was noted as a project that explicitly aims to support fairness, equality and justice within the net zero energy transition.

Through the Smart Solar project, 75 homes received solar and battery installations, saving residents 66 per cent on bills and cutting CO2 by 700 tonnes annually.

The project created local jobs, encouraged self-sufficiency and has pioneered a replicable model using feed-in-tariff income for further solar installations.

Merlin Hyman, Regen chief executive, said: “The Green Energy Awards recognise the people and projects leading the UK’s transition to net zero energy.

“Decarbonising our energy system is a major challenge, but the inspiring achievements of all the nominees show what is achievable with the right framework.”

Andy Heald, an Energise Barnsley director, added: “Energise Barnsley was set up so that the local community is not left behind in the electricity market transition.

“We’ve put Energise Barnsley on the map and it was fantastic to see this recognised at a national level by the Green Energy Awards 2025.

“Our special thanks goes to Age UK Barnsley and National Energy Action who worked so well with us to deliver our award winning ‘Smart Solar’ project.

“And thanks to Regen and award sponsor Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks for the presentation night in Bristol.”

UPDATE: Jake has been found safe and well.

POLICE are appealing for help to find a missing Barnsley man.

Jake, aged 34, was last seen at 12pm yesterday (Thursday) at New Street in Staincross and was reported missing to police that evening.

Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for Jake’s welfare and want to speak to anybody who has seen him or who knows where he might be.

Jake is a white man, 6ft tall, of a slim build, and with short brown hair.

Officers believe Jake may have travelled to Sheffield city centre on Thursday.

Have you seen him? Do you know where he might be staying? 

If you can help, you can pass information to police by calling 101 or reporting information online here: www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report/mp/v2/add-something-reported-missing/.

Please quote incident number 704 of 3 April 2025 when you get in touch.

POLICE have made more than 20 arrests for drug offences in just two areas of Barnsley this year.

Officers from Barnsley North East’s Neighbourhood Policing Team arrested two more suspected drug dealers in Lundwood and Monk Bretton last week.

A spokesperson for the force said: “This takes the total arrests for drug supply offences in our area since the start of 2025 to over 20.

“Last Wednesday morning we received reports relating to a green Ford Fiesta dealing drugs in the North East area.

“Last Wednesday lunchtime we received further information that the same green Ford Fiesta had been involved in a burglary in Barnsley.

“North East officers on proactive patrol have sighted this vehicle in Monk Bretton approximately an hour later, and stopped it in the Lundwood area.

“The two occupants were arrested for burglary. These individuals were searched in custody, and a quantity of class A drugs were located.

“Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.”

FREE bus travel for Barnsley’s under-18s was approved at a meeting this week.

The scheme, which was first mooted in January, will be be available to anyone living in the town aged five to 18.

Young people will be able to access free bus travel from Monday to Sunday, between 7am and 9pm, as long as the journey starts or ends in the Barnsley area and is within South Yorkshire.

On Wednesday, cabinet bosses approved the scheme which the council has set aside £5m for, with an additional funding pot of up to £1m from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. It will go live at the start of August.

Commenting, Wombwell councillors Brenda Eastwood, Robert Frost and James Higginbottom said: “We are delighted that as part of Barnsley Labour’s balanced budget for 2025/26 there is funding set aside to provide free bus fares for Barnsley youngsters from August.

“This will enable local kids to access vital education and leisure opportunities.

“It will also make a huge difference to finances, putting more money in the pockets of local families.

“For example, a family with two children will save almost £800 per year in school bus fares alone.

“We’re looking forward to seeing this scheme rolled out for the start of the summer holidays and local families feeling the benefit.”

THE Mayor of Barnsley cut the ribbon for the official grand reopening of Darfield Library on its 60th anniversary this week.

The library, which first opened in 1965, had been refurbished earlier this year thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A bigger children’s area has been created featuring reading hideaways, toadstool seating, improved book displays and more.

For adults, a dedicated space has been created including public computers, a large meeting table and increased book shelving.

Mayor of Barnsley Coun John Clarke officially reopened the site on Tuesday.

Coun Kevin Osborne, who represents Darfield, said: “It was a particularly well chosen day as April 1 makes it 60 years since it was first opened.

“I joined my ward colleagues Pauline Markham and Trevor Smith to witness the traditional ribbon cutting by the Mayor of Barnsley, assisted by Outwood Primary Academy Darfield pupils.

“It was fascinating to hear memories from staff and library users of the original library and to learn of the new changes the refurbishment brings.”

UPDATE: Thomas has been found safe and well.

POLICE are appealing for help to find a missing 14-year-old who has not been seen since Monday.

Thomas from Barnsley was last seen around 6pm on Monday in Mapplewell and hasn’t been seen or heard from since.

He is described as white, around 5ft 3ins tall and of slim build. He has short dark brown hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing a black tracksuit and carrying a small drawstring bag.

Officers are growing increasingly concerned for his safety and are keen to hear from anyone who may have information to help find him.

It is believed that Thomas has links to Leeds and Manchester.

Can you help? Please get in touch quoting incident number 1043 of 31 March 2025. You can provide information to police online, via live chat or by calling 101.

HUGE sums of cash which has been won by local residents remain unclaimed – prompting an appeal for Premium Bonds holders to check.

According to a study, there are more than 23,000 unclaimed prizes across South Yorkshire worth £867,000.

However, the largest unclaimed prize stands at £25,000 and the winner has not come forward since its draw in November 2022.

A spokesperson National Savings and Investments said: “Premium Bonds prize winners receive notifications of their winnings if they have registered their contact details.

“However, there are instances where customers relocate or forget to update their contact details with us.

“This can lead to unclaimed prizes, especially for those who opt to receive their prizes via cheque rather than bank transfer.

“People with original paper bonds can register them online or by calling the helpline on 08085 007 007.

“To check for prizes, Barnsley bond holders will need their holder’s number.”

RENT prices in Barnsley have risen by almost a third over the last five years.

Provisional figures from the Office for National Statistics show the average private rent in Barnsley reached £634 per month in the year to February – up eight per cent from £589 a year prior.

It was also up 31 per cent from an estimated £485 a month five years ago.

Data on rent prices is collected by the Valuation Office Agency from a variety of sources, including landlords and letting agents, with the aim of collecting data on approximately ten per cent of the market.

Across Yorkshire and The Humber, the average rent was £813 – rising five per cent from the year before.

BARNSLEY residents are being encouraged to learn more about the symptoms of bowel cancer.

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month and a national campaign has been launched to get more people talking about the illness.

The latest figures show that bowel cancer screening uptake in the town, for those aged between 60 and 74 years old, was at 72.8 per cent last year.

This was a rise on the previous year’s figures.

New research reveals that 35 per cent of adults in Great Britain cannot identify a single symptom of bowel cancer – the second deadliest cancer in the UK.

The survey, commissioned just ahead of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, highlights a worrying lack of public awareness despite bowel cancer claiming over 16,000 lives each year in the UK

A spokesperson for Barnsley Hospital said: “Bowel cancer can affect anyone, whatever your age, gender, ethnicity, or where you live. The most important thing to know is that the earlier the disease is spotted, the more treatable it’s likely to be.

“That’s why this Bowel Cancer Awareness Month we’re supporting the Pass It On campaign.

“They’re asking everyone to share information about bowel cancer because when you Pass It On you could help someone else notice when something isn’t right.”

AROUND 7,500 working people in Barnsley are set to benefit from a pay boost this month thanks to a government scheme.

It’s due to an increase in the National Minimum Wage, which officially came into force on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the Barnsley Labour Party said: “During the General Election, Labour promised to put more money in working people’s pockets.

“Today 7,500 working people in Barnsley will receive a pay boost from increases in the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage, giving eligible workers throughout the borough an extra £1,400 per year.

“Workers who are 21 and over on the National Living Wage will see a 6.7 per cent increase in their pay, whilst 18 to 20 year olds will receive an extra £1.40 per hour and apprentices and under 18s getting an additional £1.15 per hour. Promise made, promise kept.”

A LOCAL resident has been prosecuted for fly-tipping waste on his own street.

Neighbourhood wardens investigated reports of three leather sofas fly-tipped on King Street, Thurnscoe, in August last year.

Luke Harrison, of King Street, Thurnscoe, was identified as being the person responsible for the dumped waste.

Mr Harrison was found guilty of the offence on Thursday February 27 and was sentenced on Thursday March 27 to a conditional discharge for two years and fined £526.

This means that should Mr Harrison commit and be convicted of an offence in the next two years, he will be sentenced both for this offence and any new offence for which he is convicted.

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “Fly-tipping remains a blight on our borough but this latest prosecution, fine and the conditional discharge imposed on the person responsible shows that we take fly-tipping incredibly seriously and we won’t tolerate it within our communities.

“With the help and support of the wider public, we will continue to identify and prosecute any offenders.

“I’d like to thank our wardens, the Safer Communities team and our litigation team for their help and hard work in this prosecution.”

If you witness fly-tipping or think someone may be dumping waste illegally, report it on the council website.

BARNSLEY Round Table has pledged to support the Barnsley free bus service which transports cancer patients to Weston Park for the next three years.

The group’s generous support kicked off with a £3,700 donation - which will cover the cost of fuel for the Barnsley bus service throughout 2025.

Barnsley Round Table will be making similar donations in 2026 and 2027.

Since launching in 2021, Weston Park Cancer Charity’s free transport service has taken thousands of patients to and from appointments at Sheffield Teaching Hospital sites.

Jonny Brown, a member of the group, said: “We are delighted to have supported this amazing cause last year, this year and now for the next two! We've all been affected by cancer in our lives, and the transport service provides invaluable support to those receiving treatment. 

“Our donation will cover fuel costs for the Barnsley service and help everyone in the local area get to their appointments without the added stress of travel. We were particularly moved by some of the words of former patients, who without the service, would not have undertaken treatment.

“We know how important the service is to people in our area, and we’re proud to play a part in it.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended our bonfire charity event and made this donation possible.”

Kane Feek, patient transport and support officer at Weston Park Cancer Charity, added: “Last year alone, our free Barnsley transport service covered 17,000 miles and made 482 return journeys to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

“We’re so grateful for the Barnsley Round Table’s fantastic donation.

“By fuelling our Barnsley bus, they will directly support thousands of local people who are living with cancer.”

BARNSLEY South MP Stephanie Peacock says she’s delighted that sports facilities will benefit thanks to a £100m government support package. 

Ms Peacock, who is also Sports Minister, said the plans are important for the future. 

She said: “I’ve seen first-hand as Sports Minister how this support will help to ensure that everyone can access sport across the country, as part of our Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity.”

THE achievements of dedicated agriculture students were celebrated at Wigfield Farm recently.

For the first time, Barnsley College introduced a mid-year Agriculture Awards to recognise the incredible progress students have made so far. 

The ceremony highlighted their hard work, commitment, and passion for the industry.

A college spokesperson said: “We were honoured to have the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) present key awards and generously sponsor four categories – Rising Star and Most Improved – acknowledging outstanding Level 2 and Level 3 Agriculture students for their dedication and progress.

Harry was awarded the Level 3 Agriculture Rising Star for his dedication, skill, and enthusiasm in agricultural studies. He is particularly passionate about Herdwick sheep and aspires to work with this breed in the future. Harry has also demonstrated remarkable leadership abilities, supporting the Level 2 students and leading livestock activities with confidence.

Jake was recognised as the Level 2 Agriculture Rising Star for his hard work in theory and practical work. He consistently supports his peers and embraces the opportunity to work with a variety of livestock. Always eager to learn, Jake shows dedication to mastering all aspects of the field while encouraging those around him.

Tian was awarded the Level 3 Agriculture Most Improved Student for her remarkable growth in confidence and skill since beginning as a Level 2 Agriculture student last year. She is always supportive of her peers while also completing tasks to a high standard. Tian’s commitment to improvement has made her an inspiration to her classmates.

Neive was honoured as the Level 2 Agriculture Most Improved Student for her tremendous progress, perseverance, and dedication to learning. With a passion for dairy farming, she aspires to pursue relief milking opportunities alongside her studies. Neive’s hard work and enthusiasm for agriculture shine through in everything she does.

There were several other awards. Joe and Evie were awarded the Golden Spade Award in recognition of their enthusiasm, determination, and willingness to “dig in” during practical tasks.

Dana received the Farm Team Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership skills on the farm, ensuring every team member is supported and tasks are carried out efficiently. Connor was honoured with the Mud Magnet Award for his remarkable ability to find and embrace every muddy task with a smile, always at the heart of the messiest jobs.

Macauley Parkin, Agriculture Course Leader at the College, said: “Our Agriculture students work incredibly hard, and these awards are a fantastic way to celebrate their dedication. We are grateful to the NFU for their support in recognising the future talent of the industry.

“The event showcased the passion and commitment of students preparing for careers in agriculture, and Barnsley College looks forward to seeing their continued success. Congratulations to all our award winners!”

A NUMBER of events will take place later this year to commemorate VE and VJ Day.

VE Day (Victory in Europe) will see a special event in Barnsley Town Hall on May 8.

Barnsley College students and pupils from primary schools will be a part of the service.

A small service will also be held on August 15 which is VJ Day (Victory over Japan) which marked the end of World War II as a whole.

Coun Robin Franklin said: “As a son of a serving soldier that was there throughout it makes me very proud.”

AFTER Matthew Raynes was born prematurely in May 2017, his parents wanted to give something back to the life-saving services that helped him.

This led to Jenna and Sam Raynes, who have a small-holding in Ingbirchworth, organising the first Penistone Tractor Run in 2018 raising funds for Embrace, a highly specialist, round-the-clock transport service for critically ill infants and children in Yorkshire.

Later this month, the fifth bi-annual tractor run will be taking place raising funds this year for the Children’s Air Ambulance.

Previous runs have raised £17,915 and the tractor run committee is working hard to add to that total.

Sam, who is chairman of the Penistone Charity Tractor Run, said: “We were overwhelmed by the support for the first tractor run and had over 100 tractors take part. It went so well that we decided to continue doing it it’s bi-annual now and is still very popular. The most we have had take part is 160 tractors and they come from far and wide.

“We always get a good turnout with crowds coming along to support the event.

“We always choose a children’s charity to raise money for and we have done it for Embrace twice, Tiny Hearts, Bluebell Wood and this time the Children’s Air Ambulance.”

This year’s run takes place on Sunday April 27 from Yummy Yorkshire, Delph House Farm in Denby Dale and the public are invited to go and view the tractors from 9.30am and watch them set off at 11am and then spectators are welcome back from 2pm to see the tractors return at around 2:30pm when visitors are able have look round them all.

Sam said: “We will have kids’ activities, bouncy castle, barbecue and will be running a raffle and auction later in the afternoon and aiming to finish at 5pm. It’s a really good day and is raising money for a great cause.”

A BUSINESSMAN has recently donated hundreds of pounds to a local gym.

Ayub Mohammed handed over £500 to Body Carnegie in Bolton-upon-Dearne. 

He wanted to help support a local organisation and spoke with Coun Deborah Pearson who identified the gym as a place that works hard to divert young people onto the right path. 

He wanted to support a scheme which diverts young people from a path of antisocial behaviour. Pictured are Mr Mohammed, head coach Craig Jenkinson and Coun Pearson.

POLICE are urging people to be vigilant after an elderly Barnsley woman lost over £11,000 in a reported scam.

A police spokesperson said: “We are urging people to remain vigilant and make themselves aware of the signs of courier fraud after officers investigating reports of fraudulent activity in Barnsley arrested a man.

“Last Tuesday (March 25), we received reports that a woman received a phone call from a man claiming to be a police officer. The woman, who is in her 80s, was told that her bank card had been used for fraudulent activity.

“She was asked to withdraw money from her local bank so the serial numbers on the notes could be checked. The woman was then asked to place the money, as well as a large quantity of money she had in her house, in her wheelie bin for a courier to pick it up. She ended up losing approximately £11,800.

“Since we received the report officers have been working thoroughly, following several lines of enquiry. On Wednesday (March 26), a 27-year-old man from Derby was arrested on suspicion of fraud and forgery. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.”

Protecting yourself from Courier Fraud 

The police or your bank will never call you to ask you to verify your financial details by phone. Hang up if you get a call like this.

If you do get a call and need to call your bank back to check, wait five minutes. Find a number for the bank you know and trust, from the back of your card or a statement. Fraudsters have been known to stay on the line after you hang up so when you ring your bank back you are connected back to the scammers.

Don’t let a stranger take your bank card from you. You should only ever have to hand it over at your bank.

If you are a victim of fraud report it to Action Fraud, either online via: https://orlo.uk/kJcOx or by calling them on 0300 123 2040. If you’ve given your bank details over the phone or handed your card to a courier, call your bank immediately and ask them to cancel your cards and put a block onto your account.

HOUSE prices in Barnsley have risen by £10,000 on average over the last year.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the average Barnsley house price in the year to January was £169,318 – a 0.2 per cent decrease on December.

The picture was similar to that across Yorkshire and the Humber, where prices decreased by 0.6 per cent.

The drop in Barnsley does not reverse the longer-term trend in the area, which has seen property prices in the area grow by 6.3 per cent over the last year.

It means the area ranked sixth among Yorkshire and the Humber’s 15 local authorities for annual growth, with the average price in Barnsley rising by £10,000 over the past year.

PLANS to change the use of agricultural land at a farm and turn it into a builder’s yard have been approved.

An application for work to take place at Birkland Farm, on Fullshaw Lane, Langsett, was submitted to the council in January. The plans were approved last week.

PLANS to demolish a pair of semi-detached properties in Barnsley and replace it with an industrial unit have been approved by the council. An application for the work to take place on Pindar Oaks Street was originally submitted to the council in June 2023. The industrial unit will be used for car valeting. The plans were given the green light by Barnsley Council’s planning board last week.

PLANNING permission is being sought to erect a greenhouse at Northern College.If approved, the unit will be added to the Stainborough site on Lowe Lane. Eight neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date. Public consultation ends on April 10.

PLANS to turn a Smithies garage into a salon have been approved by the council. An application for work to take place on Kirkland Gardens was originally submitted to the council in January. These plans were given the green light by the planning board last week.

DROPPING a cigarette butt cost a local man almost £500.

James Fletcher, 32, was given a fixed penalty notice by Barnsley Council following the incident outside Morrisons, Cortonwood, last July. However, due to a lack of payment court proceedings were launched against Fletcher, of Ingsfield Lane, Bolton-upon-Dearne. He was fined £220, told to pay a surcharge of £88 and court costs of £160, totalling £468.

A MAN who failed to keep up with the requirements of a court order has been re-sentenced. Steven Bottom, of Thornwell Grove, Cudworth, admitted to failing to attend unpaid work appointments. The 52-year-old was re-sentenced at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court last week and was told to carry out a total of 95 hours of unpaid work over the next 12 months.

A MOTHER who failed to ensure her child attended school has been fined. Kayleigh Bushnell, of Ingsfield Lane, Bolton-upon-Dearne, admitted the offence. The 37-year-old was told to pay £131.

A WOMAN who committed a further crime whilst serving a suspended prison sentence will appear at Sheffield Crown Court in April. Leanne Brooke, of Milgate Street, Royston, admitted the breach at a hearing held at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court this week. The 36-year-old will be re-sentenced on April 23.