A Thurnscoe driver has been charged by police after testing positive for cannabis.

Michael Allington, 22, of Windsor Street, was stopped by officers on Doncaster Road in Goldthorpe on March 6.

He was suspected to be under the influence of drugs and tested positive for cannabis at the roadside.

Allington was arrested and taken to the police station where he provided a blood sample. His blood test revealed he was three times over the limit for cannabis.

The 22-year-old was charged with driving over the prescribed limit and driving while unfit through drugs and will appear at magistrates' court on Wednesday (May 20).

THE old open market space has been transformed into a garden for a week of events.

Barnsley Council has been planting lawns, hedge rows and trees in preparation, as part of the Love Your Local Market campaign.

Entertainment will take place in the market garden each day, including stilt walking, music and art workshops.

On Saturday (May 23), 20 enterprising young people will run their own market stall. Traders will host a fashion and beauty market on Tuesday (May 26), and from Friday (May 29) to Sunday (May 31), there will be a specialist gardeners’ market.

Coun Roy Miller said: "The garden market is the first of four planned events for the town centre this year that we hope will attract shoppers and families to come and see what all the buzz is about."

ORGANISERS of a charity bike ride are appealing for someone to drive their support van.

Barnsley language tutor Carl Dundas, 33, of Woburn Place, Dodworth, is part of a team planning to ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for Leukaemia and MNDA research.

But as he explains there has been last minute snag which means he needs a van driver over the age of 25 to help out.

He said: "Due to circumstances completely out of his control, our van driver, Colin, is unable to be our support vehicle for the bike ride.

"With just 38 days left, we ask that, if anyone is free from June 15 to 25 to come forward."

Please contact me on 07533 851797 if you can help.

A PETITION has been launched to save a children's centre in Worsbrough Common.

Rising Stars run groups for families with children under five and have a team of support workers.

In the petition, addressed to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, it says: "Without these groups parents would not receive support in this area. It makes no sense for this centre to close."

So far nearly 500 people have signed the petition to save the children's centre which is under threat of closure due to budget cuts.

It comes after the council announced plans for a proposed new model for family centres and launched a consultation to find out what people thought to the current children's centres.

The petition can be found here.

TWO people have been seriously injured in a motorbike crash in Royston.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the incident which happened at around 3.15pm on Sunday (May 17).

A black Kawasaki motorbike was travelling along Church Lane, in the direction of Royston, when it collided with a white Vauxhall Insignia at the junction of Carlton Lane.

The 25-year-old rider of the motorbike and his passenger, a 22-year-old man, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 702 of 17 May 2015.

BOMB squad officers have cordoned off a street in Worsbrough today after a homemade device was discovered.

Emergency services were called to a property on Elm Court in Worsbrough this morning (Friday, 15 May) following the discovery.

A police spokesman said: "The EOD attended at the scene to examine the device and established that it was not viable.

"A cordon was put in place and business' and properties within the cordon were evacuated as a precautionary measure. There was no risk to the wider community and officers would like to thank those affected for their patience."

A VICTORY over a ban in ball games at a local park could set a precedent across the borough.

Little green signs which say 'BMBC. No ball games. By order' have been in parks and grass areas across the borough for decades - but the ban has been lifted in Wilthorpe park after an appeal by local children who wanted to use it for a kick about.

Old Town councillor Phil Davies said: "I hope it will set a precedent."

A SHOP building which dates back to the 1800s could be demolished to make way for housing.

The old village shop on Haigh Laigh in Hoylandswaine dates back to 1850 but the building has been vacant since the 1990s and has fallen into disrepair.

John Crosby has approached Barnsley Council to seek permission to demolish the building, and replace it with a new four-bedroomed home.

Planning documents show that little of the original building actually remains due to work that's gone in over the years.

PLANS to extend a school in Penistone to add more dining space have been announced.

St John's Primary wants to dining capacity in the hall at its infants site, off Chapel Field Lane, to cope with numbers and the need to store dining furniture.

It is also proposed to provide a classroom extension, which would allow for a purpose built early years and foundation stage unit to be created.

That would include a cloak room, basic teaching space and toilets for pupils.

FEWER fines for drivers using mobile phones at the wheel have been handed out in Barnsley - due to the fact there are less officers.

Statistics have shown the number of  motorists given fixed penalty notices for illegally using mobile phones on the road have collapsed by 80 per cent in Barnsley in four years.

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings the change corresponds to a reduction in the number of police officers available, though South Yorkshire Police are also involved in educational work to highlight the danger caused by misusing handsets.

He added: "I would urge anyone who insists on using mobile devices to think long and hard about their actions. It only takes a few seconds of inattention to put your own safety and that of other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians at serious risk."

A CINEMATIC composer has found himself in a row with film producers over a piece of his music he claims was illegally used in a trailer to promote action hero Jackie Chan's new film.

Chris Haigh has composed music for motion pictures, television and games advertising professionally for several years.

But the 33-year-old from Elsecar was shocked to learn one of his tracks had been used in the trailer for the film Dragon Blade starring Jackie Chan, Adrien Brody and John Cusack.

He said: "It's absolutely heartbreaking when it's such a massive film. The music is used for a good minute and a half and the trailer has pretty much done its job - the film has been released in China and has gone down really well.

"It's not just about the money, but this is my job and it is how I pay my bills."

A SPEED camera on a busy road could be moved elsewhere after safety bosses admitted it is in the wrong place.

The camera on Halifax Road in Thurgoland has been at the centre of a campaign from parish councillors who have said its in the wrong place because traffic is naturally slowing ahead of the crossroads traffic lights a short distance ahead.

South Yorkshire's Safety Camera Partnership said the existing camera is in the wrong place and analysis work has been going on in the area to monitor the extent of speeding problem.

The partnership is reviewing speed cameras across Barnsley because the current organisation inherited many of the existing cameras from local authorities and they may no longer be deemed to be suitable for current enforcement needs.

A FORMER town centre nightclub could be transformed into a church.

Hope House Church wants to take on the House Nightclub building for use as a community building.

Spokesman Paul Bedford said: "We want to take that building on and it will stop it being an eyesore. It will be used by the church.

"This is a long term development; we don't want to demolish the building or change it dramatically, just change the use.

"It will give us scope as a church to use the building more effectively."

A BARNSLEY bakery has invested £20 million on new equipment which means it can produce over 300 million Mr Kipling cake slices a year.

Manor Bakeries has invested in a new production and packing line which has allowed it to double capacity.

And it is also flying the flag for apprentices by setting up a new engineering training centre at its Fish Dam Lane factory, Carlton.

The factory, once the biggest bakery in the world, covers a huge area - about the size of 40 football pitches.

VOLUNTEERS are required to help out the unemployed in Goldthorpe.

People who are confident and capable at assisting others to write CVs are being sought to help out by Voluntary Action Barnsley.

Help from those also familiar with searching for jobs online and completing applications and finding training and support services would also be appreciated.

Anyone interested in giving up a few hours to a few days a week are invited to contact Helen at Helen.Langley@vabarnsley.org.uk

PLANS to convert the Athersley Arms into a Farmfoods store have been approved by the council.

The company had originally applied to demolish the building and build a new fit-for-purpose building.

The property was bought by Farmfoods and will open once the alterations are complete.

THE region's leading independent baby retailer, Direct2Mum, is holding an event to help people ensure their child and baby car seats are installed correctly in their vehicles.

The event will be held at the Direct2Mum store, Dodworth Business Park, from June 2 to 7 and follows new legislation that came into force earlier this year.

The event will involve free checks and advice provided by trained experts from leading manufacturers of child and baby seats.

Advice will also be available during the week via Direct2Mum’s Facebook page. An advisor will be online for one night only to answer any questions that may arise from the general public, regarding the current car seat safety legislation.

There will also be various giveaways and promotional activities happening in store

A DARFIELD painter is brushing up on retirement after almost 40 years in the trade.

Dennis Griffiths, 62, has run DJ Decorating in Darfield since 1975, and bought the Paint Spot shop on Snape Hill in 1987.

The company worked all over the country painting branches of businesses such as Halfords and Ann Summers.

Dennis, from Edderthorpe Lane, said: "I set up with nothing and worked out of my dad's council house on Morrison Road.

"I have never had a sick day off and have only just started in the last few years really going on holiday."

One of his employees is taking over the business.

A DELAPIDATED primary school and performing arts centre will be demolished to make way for a housing estate.

Grove Street Primary School and the performing arts centre (PADS) will be knocked down to make way for a development of 11 two-bedroom terraced houses, 12 three-bedroom terraced houses and nine three-bedroom semi-detached houses.

THE TURBINES for a wind farm that sits between Great Houghton and Grimethorpe should be up by the end of the summer.

The scheme - which will see three 126.5-metre structures installed - is being created by EDF Energy Renewables.

The Park Spring wind farm will be constructed on a restored colliery site located to the east of Park Spring Road and will generate enough low carbon electricity to supply the average annual electricity needs of more than 3,000 homes.

It is thought that it could be generating energy by September.

A WOMBWELL housing project to create new affordable homes has been halted after the construction company went into administration.

Work ceased on the site on Roy Kilner Road after developers Southdale went into administration.

The development was meant to see 37 houses being built.

A spokesperson from Berneslai Homes said: "Negotiations are currently ongoing with a view to other companies taking over the development of the site but these negotiations are in the early stages.

"The timescales for re-commencement of work and completion will form part of these discussions."

A WOMBWELL doctor's surgery has been told it needs to improve following an inspection.

The Care Quality Commission said Wombwell Medical Centre - which has around 9,680 patients - is inadequate and it has now been placed into special measures.

Prof Steve Field, chief inspector of general practice, said in the report: "While we assessed this practice as providing a caring service and rated this as good, improvements are needed to assure safe, effective, responsive and well-led services."

Issues around working with other services, such as health visitors and midwives, long waits after scheduled appointment times and the management of medicines were identified as improvement areas.

Wombwell Medical Centre said they were disappointed with the score as just 12 months earlier an inspection had not flagged any problems.

A spokesman added: "We are really pleased that the report acknowledged that the face to face contact with patients and our approach to 'caring' was rated good.

"We will now focus on the recommendations and our team, along with support from the CCG, will make every effort to address these issues over the following few weeks and months, in preparation for a re-inspection in six months time."

WORRIED parents have stepped up to become unofficial lollipop ladies on a busy dual carriageway.

Oakhill Primary in Ardsley have been left without a school crossing on the 40 MPH stretch of Doncaster Road due to ill health.

Mums Wendy Galley, 44, and Debbie Harvey, 50, have stepped into the breach  but said they couldn't do it indefinitely. 

Paul Castle, service director for environment and transport at the council, said: "We would stress we’re continually trying to recruit to our crossing patrol service by a permanent advertisement on our jobs webpage, distribution of flyers, and posters in school and shops."

Anyone interested in the role should contact the school or call 772024.

PET cruelty is on the rise locally according to the latest figures from the RSPCA.

Inspectors say shameful animal cruelty cases - which include an attack on a pet rabbit that had to be put down after its back was broken in two places and a kitten that died after being microwaved by its owner - are on the rise.

In recent months a cockapoo type dog was found in Wombwell with a horrific gaping wound to its neck and just last month a horse had to be put to sleep after being stabbed in the stomach in a field in Hoyland.

The RSPCA's chief veterinary officer James Yeates said: "Most of the complaints we receive involve animals being neglected or not receiving the right care and often we can put that right by offering welfare advice," he said.

"However, it is shocking that people are still being deliberately cruel in what can be disturbingly inventive ways."

A PAIR of local lads have attempted to drive from Blackpool to Benidorm in an old banger to raise cash for charity. 

James Collins and Nathan Thornton begun the four days challenge on Wednesday - driving a 12-year-old banger to Spain for the Benidorm or Bust rally.

The FIAT Multipla - which cost them less than £300 - had to cover between 300 and 450 miles a day as part of the challenge.

All the money raised from the jaunt will go to the Exodus Project, children's charity based in Barnsley which reaches out to young people, many from disadvantaged communities.

To donate visit virginmoneygiving.com/bip3

ESSENTIAL works to Junction 37 of the M1 will result in overnight road closures this month.

Resurfacing works on a stretch of Dodworth Road, Whinby Road, and on both sides of the dual carriageway will mean some closures which come into effect on Saturday (May 16) from 8pm until 5.30am and will continue until Friday May 22.

Roads affected:

A628 between Capitol Park roundabout and Pogmoor Road / Broadway junction, access will be maintained for residents along Dodworth Road.

M1 motorway on and off slip roads both north and south bound at Junction 37.

The roads will be open over the Spring Bank holiday, with closures beginning again at 8pm on Tuesday, 26 May, which will continue on consecutive nights and times, until 5.30am on Saturday, 30 May.

There will be signed diversion routes .

A VINTAGE clothing enthusiast has converted his small student enterprise into a global business which sells to Urban Outfitters and Lush.

John Hickling started selling his charity shop finds on eBay about 12 years ago and now runs a company which employs 14 people and operates a 23,000 square foot warehouse and distribution centre in Barnsley.

Sales at Glass Onion Vintage have increased ten-fold within the last six years, and look set to increase again as John and his team expand their customer base and court new suppliers as far afield as the USA.

John said: “Recycled clothing is becoming big business globally – vintage has evolved over the years and interest in good quality rescued or re-fashioned garments has become more mainstream.

"It wasn’t a business as such, we just loved doing it and it was a way of making a bit of beer money instead of getting a bar job or something like that."

A BARNSLEY MS sufferer is taking part in a charity sky dive with his family despite being in a wheelchair.

Mark Smales, 51 and his wife Dawn will be taking part in the skydive along with their two children Kimberely 24 and Gareth 21. 

To support the Smales visit: 

https://www.justgiving.com/MarkDawnKimGareth

AN alert has been issued over a lethal diet pill which has killed six people.

Interpol issued a global alert over diet pills which contain illicit chemicals.

The drug called DNP causes the body to over heat and cook from the inside whilst dramatically increasing metabolism, causing significant weight loss. 

Many have been sold over social media sites like Facebook.

DNP has been outlawed for human consumption since the late 1930's.

A FUND-RAISING campaign has been launched to keep a befriending service that sees volunteers offer companionship to locals with dementia.

BIADS says it needs £20,000 to keep the vital service running until December - already new admissions have been suspended and it is currently only possible to visit 25 people on the list of 100 who rely on the visits for support.

Operations manager Margaret Mason said: "You are given a lifeline – a befriending volunteer from BIADS. They visit you weekly for a cuppa and a chat and occasionally you go out shopping or they help you to keep involved with other activities. How would you feel if they could no longer visit because funding has been reallocated?"

Since the service begun, 40 volunteers have been trained to be befrienders, working in the community with people who have alzhiemer's and dementia.

To donate to the Save BIADS’ Befriending Service campaign please go to www.biads.org.uk or text GLWO22 £5 to 70070.

A CHARITY run which sees participants get covered in colourful paint is returning to Barnsley on Sunday.

The Rainbow Run - in aid of Barnsley Hospital Charity - will be held in Locke Park on Sunday.

Participants either running, walking or dancing their way around a 1km or 5km course.

Are you taking part in the Rainbow Run? We would love to hear who you are, where you are from and why you are doing it. 

Comment in the box below and we will give you a shout out.

A WOMAN has been charged in connection with the theft of a shopper’s purse in Barnsley town centre.

Police were called to Market Street, Barnsley at around 12.15pm on Thursday 30 April following a report of the theft of a purse from a woman’s handbag.

A woman was arrested nearby.

Malina Kalitsova, 26,of Clare Hill, Huddersfield, has been charged with theft and will appear at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 20 May.

A MAN who performed a sex act outside a property in Hoyland Common is being sought by police.

Officers have asked for witnesses following reports that the man was performing a sex act outide a property on Sheffield Road at around 1.30am on May 5.

A spokesman said: "Officers would like to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area or who can identify the man in the e-fit."

The man is described as white, around 20-years-old with short brown/black hair. He is 5ft 10 ins tall of skinny build and was believed to be wearing a black tracksuit top and jeans.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 41 of 5 May 2015. Alternatively, to give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A PENSIONER who was knocked unconscious after being punched in the face by an unknown thug is recovering from his attack.

The man, 66, was attacked as he left the Sportsman Inn on Pitt Street, Darfield.

As he walked along George Street in Darfield, he was approached by an unknown man who allegedly punched him in the face repeatedly.

The man was knocked unconscious and suffered two black eyes and a broken nose.

The unknown attacker is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall with dark coloured hair, which was brushed back.

He was wearing a green padded jacket.

If you have information about the incident call 101 quoting incident number 1162 of 15 April.

Alternatively, to give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A WILDLIFE charity is encouraging locals to uncover the secrets of their own garden after statistics showed that fewer are taking notice of the wildlife that live there.

THE RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch showed that residents who looked discovered a motley mix of creatures like hedgehogs, slow worms and grass snakes living in their gardens.

Now, conservationists want locals to do more to provide shelter for the wildlife who may need it.

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist, said: "A lot of garden wildlife is in desperate need of our help. By providing shelter and a safe place to make a home, gardens provide an invaluable resource and are a key element in helping to save nature."

Have you seen anything interesting in your garden? Let us know in the comments.

BARNSLEY College’s success rates are the best in the region, and among the best in the country, according to the latest report from the Skills Funding Agency.

The success rate for 16-18 year olds was 86.1 per cent, putting Barnsley College 29th out of 218 colleges nationally, while Apprenticeship course success rates were 87.5 per cent, putting the college fifth in the country.

A college spokesman said: "Our teaching staff work hard every day to ensure that all of our students reach their potential during their time at Barnsley College and go on to further study or work after completing their courses.

"These fantastic results show that Barnsley College is not only a leader in the region, it is also one of the most successful colleges nationally which is something for the whole town to be incredibly proud of."