ROCK band Seventh Son are performing a rare gig in Barnsley to raise cash for Barnsley Hospice.

The rock legends are celebrating their 35th anniversary with a gig in Underground at The Londoner on May 21.

David Clayton from the Underground said: "It's good stuff. Seventh Son have not played in Barnsley for years and we have been trying to get them on for ages. I'm 53 and although we have new young bands on here, Seventh Son are a bit of a legend."

Tickets are available by calling 07896 246717. Doors open on the night at 7.30pm.

SOUTH Yorkshire Police have launched a campaign to tackle bike thefts across the county.

It is aimed at advising riders on the steps they should take to help keep their bikes secure.

During February and March there were 148 recorded bike thefts.

In South Yorkshire, a bait bike has been used to catch offenders, which has led to five people being arrested and charged with theft.

The bikes are fitted with GPS tracking systems, which allow officers to quickly locate them and take action if they are stolen.

A BARNSLEY lass who was inspired to raise money for charity after her nephew was born prematurely has shed almost seven stones while training for a run.

Natasha Chaudhary was inspired to take part in the Rainbow Run charity event for Barnsley Hospital after her nephew was cared for on the Special Care Baby Unit. She has lost six and a half stones and says she hopes locals will cheer her on.

She said said: "Let's see how far I get before collapsing.

"My nephew had round the clock care to make sure he was ok before he could go home. My sister and her boyfriend went through hell and back with Kaden and came out the other side with a beautiful bouncing baby boy who is super awesome."

The event wil take place at Locke Park on May 17.

To support Natasha visit: https://www.justgiving.com/TashasRainbowRunForTinyHearts/

A BARNSLEY company run by a local family is celebrating success after expanding.

Laserweb was formed in March last year but has moved to new premises and invested £60,000 in new machinery to keep up with demand.

The company, which specialises in cutting and engraving wood, plastics, metal, leather and card, is spearheaded by father and son team Earl and Daniel Holdsworth - who are doubling their turnover every month.

The company was recently commissioned to produce 6,000 laser cut serving platters for Goucho restaurants in London, Leeds, Manchester, Dubai and Hong Kong.

A CONTROVERSIAL site developed by the council to offer a temporary stopping place for gypsies and travellers has been closed just weeks after it opened.

The 11-pitch site on Grange Lane had temporary toilets and water facilities installed - all have now been removed after enforcement action had to be taken against nine caravans that ignored the two-week limit and stayed for eight weeks.

Enforcement officer Paul Brannan told the Chronicle: "We need to have a further chat with residents before we use it again.

"We have temporarily closed the site pending further discussions about the use of the site in future. We owe it to the residents to do that."

CANNON Hall Farm has announced plans for a food festival to be held in August.

The festival will boast numerous local and regional food and drink producers showcasing their products. 

Spokesman Robert Nicholson said: “As a family business, we are passionate about the area we live in and the food we produce, so to run a festival celebrating all these things is tremendously exciting.”

It will run August 28-31.

A BARNSLEY headteacher has asked the council to change the school's start and finishing times because it's too late for some children.

Nick Bowen, principal of Horizon, told the council it would help improve attainment as current start/exit times for year 11s is 'having a detrimental effect' on their education.

Currently, year 11s start at 10am and finished at 4.15 - from September they will come and go with year 10 at 9.30am and 3.45pm.

Other year groups will still have staggered start and finish times.

MORE than 50 pigeons were murdered by yobs who broke their legs, pulled off their wings and chopped off their heads.

Scott Algar was horrified when he discovered the scene at his allotment on Field Lane Allotments, Stairfoot, and immediately called the police.

Scott, 41, of Chestnut Crescent, said: "It's quite heartwrenching - I've had some of my pigeons since they were babies and some were 14-years-old. The last bird I had to kill, she only had one wing left and had managed to get herself up two nesting boxes with broken legs to get back to sit on her eggs."

MORRISONS in Barnsley is to introduce Express Checkouts to offer customers a quick and personal service.

The express lanes will serve customers who wish to buy ten items or less meaning those with only a few items will not have to queue behind those with full trolleys.

Two express lanes are being introduced. One will be operational from 8am to 8pm and both during daily peak shopping periods of noon to 2pm and 4 to 6pm.

PLANS to convert a property in Cudworth into a children's home have been submitted to the council.

Kirsten Gaskell, who has lived on Barnsley Road for 12 years, has applied to the council to change the use of her house.

The application shows three full-time and six part-time staff will be present, providing 24-hour supervision if the home is given the go ahead.

A letter sent by Miss Gaskell to residents read: "Our home is offering an opportunity for up to three children to live with us.

"They would normally be placed within foster homes, but due to the fact that there are not enough carers in our local area they are then placed into care due to no fault of their own.

"It is our wish that these children should be and will be living a normal life within a normal environment within our community. Our home will not be a secure unit or a half-way house and will not pose any concern to our neighbours.

"They will not be left to their own devices and so will not be posing any nuisance to neighbours or our community."

Comments can be made on the council's website until May 11.

A BARNSLEY man has been named and shamed and fined over £200 for failing to pick up his dog's mess.

David Tasker of Reginald Road, Kendray, was issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice from the borough's dog warden but failed to pay.

The matter was sent to Barnsley Magistrates Court on 20 April, where the penalty was increased to £100 plus a £20 victim surcharge.

Mr Tasker also had to pay costs of £120.

Visitors to the Cooper Gallery can come face to face with some of their favourite children’s books characters, with the arrival of the new exhibition Mr Benn to Miffy.

Alongside the free exhibition, there will also be children’s activities and workshops taking place at the Gallery.

Sue Thiedeman, Head of Culture and Visitor Economy, said: “We are really excited about the arrival of the new exhibition. As the only place outside London to be showing the work, I am sure there will be lots of people keen to take a closer look at the much loved characters.”

THE ELECTION results for Barnsley have been revealed - with more than half of locals turning up to vote.

In the 2012 election, just 28.9 percent of people turned up to cast their vote - but that number has rocketed this year with turnout topping 56.2 per cent. 

A round up of the voting habits and results can be found here.

A BARNSLEY nightclub could be converted into a church if planners give the go-ahead.

Paul Bedford, of Hope House Church, has submitted a planning application to change the use of the House nightclub on Wellington Street into a place of worship.

The application is now being considered by council planners.

A WOMAN who managed to convince a drunk driver to get out of the car and hand over his keys has been commended by police.

The woman was travelling on Station Road in Wombwell at around 6pm on Saturday 11 April, when she noticed that a Chevrolet Matiz was being driven erratically.

The woman approached the car when it stopped and persuaded the driver to get out and hand over his car keys for safekeeping.

The man was arrested at the scene after police were called.

Mieczyslaw Kowaleski, 64, of Woodfield Close in Darfield, appeared at Barnsley Magistrates Court on Friday 1 May.

He pleaded guilty to being over the prescribed limit. He was disqualified from driving for 3 years, given a curfew and ordered to pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.

Superintendent Shelley Hemsley said: “The actions of the woman undoubtedly ensured that the driver and other road users were kept safe.

“It is reassuring to know that there are such public-spirited members of the community in Barnsley who are willing to take responsibility to help others.”

THE Mi Card scheme which offers discounted bus travel to those aged between five and 18 will rise in price from 40p to 50p.

Young people in Barnsley will be asked to pay the extra 10p as of Sunday, 24 May.

A TWO MINUTE silence will be observed in the town centre on Friday to mark the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Mayor Coun Tim Shepherd will lead the two minute silence in fronf of the war memorial at the town hall from 3pm.

He said: “It will be a wonderful opportunity for us to pay tribute to all those that contributed and reflect on the sacrifices made for our country."

HEALTH bosses have put a call out for local blood donors - especially those who have a rare blood group.

Donating sessions are being held over the next few weeks after new statistics showed that the NHS Blood and Transplant Service needed about 6,000 donations every day to treat patients. 

Particularly required are supplies of the universal blood group O Rh Negative which is often in short supply as demand is so great.

Supplies of rarer blood groups A Rh Negative, B Rh Negative and AB Rh Negative are also needed.

Sessions:

St John's Community Centre, Church Street, Penistone, Friday, 12.30pm to 3.15pm and 4.15pm to 7.15pm

Holiday Inn, Dodworth Road, Dodworth, May 13, 1.15pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm

Holy Rood Parish Hall, May 27, 1pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 7.15pm.

To book an appointment to donate visit blood.co.uk or call 03001232323

RAIL passenger numbers from Elsecar have gone up by almost 19 per cent - and will continue to rise as new homes are built, experts say.

Figures released by the Office of Rail Regulation said that ticket sales rose to over 150,000 in 2014.

Most commuters travel to Barnsley or Sheffield with a smaller number to and Leeds and Huddersfield.

A SYPTE spokeswoman said: "Before development of Elsecar park and ride there weren't any formal parking facilities at the station so people parked on local streets which caused congestion and road safety concerns.

"Pedestrian access to the platforms were steep and not compliant with current standards.

She added: "Elsecar park and ride aims to encourage rail travel and reduce car use to help reduce emissions by making it easier to access rail services."

BARNSLEY College has become the first in the country to develop its own crowdfunding site to help students source investors to get their business ideas of the ground.

BCKickstart is a project run by the college offering students an opportunity to raise funds for a range of business ideas and projects.

Rubina Rashid, Head of Enterprise at Barnsley College, said: "It can be very hard for new businesses to get off the ground but this new crowdfunding platform will give our entrepreneurial students both financial help and a brilliant confidence boost when they see that other people are keen to support them."

A TEAM which works to improve the behaviour of Barnsley's most problematic families has been praised by police.

Police chief constable David Crompton praised the team - which consists of a police officer and two council officers - who work together to tackle issues ranging from drug use, to nuisance neighbours and domestic abuse.

He said: “The priority for the team is improving the negative impact that the families have on their neighbours.”

Anyone experiencing problems should call 101 to report it.

TRANSPORT bosses say a new agreement will improve bus punctuality and reliability in Barnsley.

The agreement - between the council and bus operators - say that they should aim to reduce congestion and cancellations. The aim is for 98 per cent of journeys to operate and for nine out of ten to run on time.

Council spokesman Paul Castle said: “We have been working in partnership for many years with the Passenger Transport Executive and bus companies to identify bus hotspots where delays occur, and to find ways to improve punctuality through signal improvements and traffic enforcement.

"Making roads across the borough easily accessible by public transport is key to improving access to jobs and growing our economy."

A DEMOLITION plan has been submitted that outlines the major town centre buildings that will be demolished by December.

Contractor Hague Plant says it plans to start at the end of may demolishing Zero Ice (former Carpetworld building).

Demolition will then move on in phases to the multi-storey access ramp (Jumble Lane side only); Kendray Street bridge; market parade footbridge; Central Office;  multi-story access ramp (Lambra Road entrance); multi-storey car park; markets offices; TEC building and shop units.

Jeremy Sykes, service director said: “This is an exciting step in creating a Better Barnsley – a redeveloped and improved town centre which residents will enjoy, businesses will want to invest in and that people will want to visit.”

A MAN who told people waiting for a train that he had a gun is wanted by transport police.

He was on platform one on March 17 at about 6pm when he told people there as a gun in his bag.

British Transport Police officers have spoken to people who were on the platform and have reviewed CCTV footage from the station.

They have released this image of a man they want to speak to.

PC Mark Mason said: “The man left the station shortly afterwards, making his way towards a nearby supermarket.

“No weapon was seen, but his behaviour worried several people at the station, and we would like to trace him.

“I am confident this person can help with our investigation into this incident. Do you know who he is?”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference PSUB/B13 April 17.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A BARNSLEY pensioner had to be given oxygen after escaping a fire in her home.

The woman - in her 70s - was treated by fire crews after her cooker caught fire.

Tankersley, Cudworth and Barnsley firefighters attended the incident on High Street, Worsborough at around 10.30am on Thursday.

The woman was given a precautionary check up by paramedics at the scene.

Crews used specialist equipment to ventilate the property following the fire.

A SESSION on road safety will be offered to parents in Elsecar today.

The South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is running the #SaveKidsLives safety campaign.

It comes after statistics showed that 62 children under 16 were killed or injured on local roads in 2013.

A safety session will be held at Playmania at Elsecar until 6.30pm.

A spokesman said: "Parents can play a huge part in helping to keep children safer when travelling; from holding hands with small children, discussing safer places to cross the road, teaching children to stop, look, listen and think before crossing to warning older children of the dangers of distractions such as using mobile phones or listening to music while out on the road."

POLICE were called after a man accidentally fell into the river near Asda.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Old Mill Lane at around 11.40am on Saturday.

A spokesman said: "A 25-year-old man had fallen into the river.

"He was taken to hospital to be check over but not believed to have any injuries."

A £200 reward is being offered to find the tagger responsible for daubing this across the borough.

The graffiti tags have appeared on bus shelters, notice boards, road signs and private property along Pontefract Road, Barnsley, Pontefract Road, Lundwood, Burton Road, Cudworth and Pontefract Road, Cudworth.

Anyone with information should call 772468 in confidence - the reward will be paid if the information leads to a conviction.

THREE people were rushed to hospital on Monday after a car crash in Cudworth.

Emergency services were called at around 5.55pm on Monday to Burton Road following reports that a silver Toyota Yaris and a green Ford Focus were involved in a collision near to the fire station.

Three people from the vehicles were taken to hospital, their injuries are not believed to be serious.

FLY-TIPPERS have dumped piles of rubbish near a historic church near Shafton.

Jill Makinson Harrison posted on the We Are Barnsley facebook page on May 2 about the old sofa and rubbish that had been dumped near St Peter's Church (Felkirk) at the bottom of Shafton.

BARNSLEY will be getting a brand new restaurant as the conversion of the old Blockbuster store continues.

American food giant Taco Bell is opening in the former video rental store.

Taco Bell is part of the YUM! Brand which includes Pizza Hut and KFC and serves Mexican-inspired fare.

The company has 6,000 restaurants in America and is expanding globally.

A BUSY stretch of road in Barnsley was closed off after police received reports of an industrial accident.

At 11.38am Friday morning, police were called in by the ambulance service following reports of an industrial accident in the workplace at a business on Summer Lane, Barnsley.

A man in his 30s suffered injuries.

He was taken to hospital, his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

The Health and Safety Executive has been informed.

We Are Barnsley get many reports of upcoming roadworks in the borough.

We thought it would be easier to collate them all into one easy to find place which will be regularly updated.

This list will feature everything that affects your travel plans, from roadworks to closures and diversions.

PARK SPRING ROAD

LITTLE HOUGHTON

Between Grimethorpe Colliery and Houghton Main Colliery Roundabouts

Temporary 40 mph speed restriction in place to safely enable the installation of a wind farm

Until 30 September

WOMBWELL LANE

WOMBWELL

Temporary 2 Way Traffic Lights

6-8 May

BARNSLEY ROAD

BRIERLEY

Also Cross Hill, Barnsley Rd, Southgate, Brierley Rd, High St Shafton Also Dog Hill, Sandybridge Lane.

Diversion route in Barnsley area for closure of Main Street, South Hiendley.

18-24 May

PONTEFRACT ROAD

CUNDY CROSS

Temporary 2 Way Traffic Lights

7 May

MILL LANE

DARTON

Full length of underpass linking Mill Lane and Station Road

Temporary closure of underpass to enable maintenance works.

Diversion route to be advised locally

8-12 June

BARNSLEY ROAD

GOLDTHORPE

Goldthorpe Rd, High St, Nicholas Ln, High St Thurnscoe Also Lorne Rd, Houghton Rd, Station Rd, Lidget Ln, Phoenix Ln.

Tour de Dearne cycling event 10am-12pm

7 June

CLAYCLIFFE ROAD

BARUGH

Also Lane Head Rd, Cawthorne Rd, Barugh Green Rd Diversion for closure of A635 Barnsley Road in Kirklees area, 0900-1600, also Barnsley Rd & Huddersfield Rd (diversion extends into Wakefield & Kirklees districts)

18-20 June

BARNSLEY ROAD

DODWORTH

Dodworth Primary School to St. Johns Parish Church (Dodworth Green Rd)

Temporary rolling road closure, 1pm-1.45pm

22 May

MANCHESTER ROAD B6099

DODWORTH

For 20 metres either side of railway level crossing

Temporary road closure to enable annual barrier testing on railway level crossing, from 5.00 am to 8.00 am.

Diversion route to be advised locally

24 May

ROUGHBIRCHWORTH LANE

OXSPRING

Roughbirchworth Lane, Long Lane, Cross Lane, Back Lane Temporary Rolling Road Closure for Road Race, 6.45pm - 8.15pm. Also on Salter Hill Lane, Tofts Lane, Hunshelf Hall Lane, Dean Head Lane, Sharp Royd Nook, Pond Common Lane, Cross Lane, Long Lane, Roug

13 May

CHURCH LANE

TANKERSLEY

Tankersley Manor entrance

Temporary 2 Way Traffic Lights

5-7 May

LEE LANE

MILLHOUSE GREEN

From Manchester Road to Catshaw Lane Temporary 40 mph speed restriction to safely enable works to BT equipment

4-18 June

LUND HILL LANE

ROYSTON

Railway Bridge Temporary 2 Way TRAFFIC Lights

5 June

KELVIN GROVE

WOMBWELL

For 20 metres for junction with High Street Temporary road closure to enable a new gas connection.

Diversion route to be advised locally

5-8 May

THERE WILL BE DIVERSIONS ON THE FOLLOWING ROUTES.

M1 NORTHBOUND 

Traffic heading west of Junction 37 

Traffic heading east of Junction 37

16-22 May

M1 SOUTHBOUND

Traffic heading west of Junction 37

Traffic heading east of Junction 37

16-22 May

SUPPORTERS have been advised to get the the reds' final game early this weekend - as it's on the same day as the Tour De Yorkshire cycle race.

Ben Mansford, chairman of Barnsley FC, said all the necessary measures are in place to make sure Oakwell is a safe environment for the game.

"From discussions with our stewarding provider and South Yorkshire Police, I am comfortable that plans are in place to best minimise any disruption.

"I would though encourage people attending the game to ensure they arrive earlier than they might normally have intended, to seek to avoid any delays."

The match will kick off early - at 12.15pm but road closures will be in pace.

We Are Barnsley know you will be busy over the Bank Holiday weekend, so we’ve compiled another survival guide to keep you up to speed.

In here, there's information on everything from bus timetables to emergency contacts.

We've been in touch with everyone we could possibly think of to get you the need-to-know information on items such as, chemists, bus services and doctors.

Please feel free to bookmark this page or share on Facebook

Doctors:

Most GP surgeries will be closed on Monday but if you are in need, ring your practice and there will be a pre-recorded message with details on what to do.

Residents advised to go to a chemist for advice before going to the hospital. 

Chemists:

A limited selection of chemists will be open on Bank Holiday Monday and these are:

Asda Pharmacy, Old Mill Lane - 9am - 6pm

Lloyds Pharmacy, Barnsley Transport Interchange - 8.30am to 8pm

Tesco Pharmacy, Wombwell Lane – 11am - 4pm

If you require an emergency prescription your GP will advise you of which chemists can dispense them. 

Buses:

Bus services will run as normal but the Stagecoach night buses N27 and N66 will not operate.

NHS Direct: Don't forget that if you need health advise or re-assurance you can call the NHS non-emergency number on 111

Activites:

If you are looking for things to do, head on over to our What’s On Guide which is packed with free and paid for events go here.

COULD you feed a family of four on just £4 a day?

Barnsley mum-of-two Kate Raynor has spent a week trying to feed her family on the meagre budget, all in aid of Barnsley Churches Dropin Project.

She bought budget shopping from Aldi and has been eating porridge, bead and chicken broth.

She said: “Everyone thinks they’re so far away from the things that are happening to others but in reality most of us are only a job loss away.”

To donate visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/livebelowtheline