BARNSLEY actor Shaun Dooley is back on screens in a new BBC drama.

Shaun will appear in the BBC Two spy drama The Game, airing on Thursdays.

He plays Jim Fenchurch, an idealistic Special Branch police liaison officer.

The thriller was created by Toby Whithouse, the man behind BBC3 supernatural drama Being Human, and will also star Brian Cox.

A BARNSLEY restaurant faces a fine and costs of almost £4,000 for substituting cheaper beef meat in a lamb curry meal.

Barnsley Magistrates were told that a food standards officer bought a lamb tikka masala from Jaffran Restaurant, Park Street, Wombwell - but it turned out to be cheaper beef meat.

Mohammed Hossain was charged under food safety legislation with misleading customers by providing meat which was not of the type demanded and failing to provide traceability information for the meat he was using.

He blamed his supplier for providing the wrong meat, but was unable to provide invoices showing that he had been buying lamb meat for the restaurant.

Mr Hossain pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined £2,800 plus £1,008.53 costs and a £180 victim surcharge.

Council spokesman Christina Heeley said: “Substitution of beef for lamb in takeaway meals is a widespread food fraud which we are committed to eliminate.

"It simply isn’t fair on either consumers or businesses trading honestly.”

A SHOP on Barnsley's historic arcade will close today - after being open less than a year.

Timeless moved into the former Frank Bird shop in September selling vintage items and craft.

Workshop space was offered upstairs where a seamstress offered locals lessons in how to make.

The business announced its closure on Facebook earlier this week and says it plans to move online.

Barnsley's famous pigmy goat Benjamin is celebrating almost 30 million views on social media by touring the world.

The baby goat was a twin but his mother did take to him - so owner Tom from the Pot House Hamlet stepped in to hand-rear him.

Bejamin's segment on the BBC went viral and had 30 million views in 6 days.

His owners have now created a tongue in cheek calander of his adventures tripping across the globe.

THE DAUGHTER of a life-long Barnsley fan is asking supporters to spare a minute in Sunday's game to applaud him.

Phil Elrington - landlord of the BFC social club and The Mount - died on Sunday. His daughter Sue has taken to social media to ask fans attending Sunday's game to hold a minute's applause for him in the 65th minute.

In her post on Facebook, she said: "Could you please help honour and celebrate his life at Sunday's game by holding a minutes applause on the 65th minute (he was 65 years old).

"It would mean a lot to me, my family and most of all, my Dad."

A STREET in Darfield was temporarily cordoned off this afternoon as police investigated reports of a suspicious package.

Officers were called to a business premises in North Street after receiving reports this afternoon.

A spokesman said: "Upon investigation it was found that the package was not harmful."

THE TOUR de Yorkshire will see almost 150 cyclists come through Barnsley on Sunday. 

The event - which aims to build on the success of the Tour De France - is set to become a flagship cycling event and will take a circuit through town.

Attractions include an outdoor specialist sports market, live music, cycling roadshows, Dr Bike free repair and service session, a Tour de France exhibition in the Better Barnsley shop on Cheapside, and a town centre art installation.

There will be a procession of local cyclists through Regent Street, Church Street and St Mary Gate at approximately 11.45am.

THE ROUTE

The race will enter Barnsley from Wakefield via Barnsley Road, Wakefield Road, Old Mill Lane, turning left on to Eldon Street, Regent Street, Church Street, St Mary’s Gate, Church Lane, Huddersfield Road, Wilthorpe Road, Barugh Green Road, Lane Head Road and exit to Kirklees.

ROAD CLOSURES

The following roads will be affected in the town centre on Sunday (May 3. )

Eldon Street, Regent Street, Church Street, St Mary’s Gate and Church Lane - closed from 10am until approximately 3pm.

Roads outside of the town centre which include; A61 Barnsley Road, Wakefield Road, Old Mill Lane, Huddersfield Road, Wilthorpe Road, Barugh Green Road, Lane Head Road will be subjected to closures from 12.20pm to 1.15pm as part of rolling road closures.

Parking will be prohibited on the race route between 10am and 2pm.

ETIQUETTE

Take rubbish home or leave it in the bins provided.

Think carefully before bringing a dog, if you do keep them on a short lead.

Do not use selfie sticks route-side as they may cause an obstruction to riders.

BUSES

Diverted services - These buses will be diverted from the start of service until 1300

Service 21A Diverted in both directions between Barnsley and Dodworth Road along Eldon Street North, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Kendray Street, Harborough Hill Road, West Way, Dodworth Road.

Service 43 Diverted between Barnsley and Summer Lane along Eldon Street North, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Kendray Street, Harborough Hill Road, West Way, Summer Lane. Diverted between Upper New Street and Barnsley along Upper New Street, West Way, Harborough Hill Road, Kendray Street, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Eldon Street North.

Service 44 Diverted between Barnsley and Upper New Street along Eldon Street North, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Kendray Street, Harborough Hill Road, West Way, Upper New Street. Diverted between Summer Lane and Barnsley along Summer Lane, West Way, Harborough Hill Road, Kendray Street, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Eldon Street North.

Service 59 Diverted in both directions between Old Mill Lane and Burton Road by running along Old Tannery Road.

Diverted in both directions in Wakefield City Centre and will run from/to Kirkgate along Marsh Way to to/from Wakefield Bus Station; buses will not serve The Springs or Union Street.

Service 59A Diverted in both directions between Old Mill Lane and Burton Road by running along Old Tannery Road.

Service 92 Diverted in both directions between Barnsley and Gawber (Barnsley Hospital) along Eldon Street North, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Kendray Street, Harborough Hill Road, West Way, Summer Lane, Victoria Crescent West, Gawber Road.

Service 93 Diverted in both directions between Barnsley and Gawber (Barnsley Hospital) along Eldon Street North, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Kendray Street, Harborough Hill Road, West Way, Summer Lane, Victoria Crescent West, Gawber Road.

Service 95 Diverted in both directions between Barnsley and Gawber (Barnsley Hospital) along Eldon Street North, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Kendray Street, Harborough Hill Road, West Way, Summer Lane, Victoria Crescent West, Gawber Road.

Service 96 Diverted from Gawber (Barnsley Hospital) towards Barnsley Gawber Road, Victoria Crescent West, Summer Lane, West Way, Harborough Hill Road, Kendray Street, Schwäbisch Gmünd Way, Eldon Street North. Diverted in Wakefield City Centre and will run from Wakefield Bus Station along Marsh Way to Kirkgate; buses will not serve The Springs.

Note that while the cycle race travels along Eldon Street North (past the vehicular entrance/exit at Barnsley Interchange) buses will run through the emergency gates at Kendray Street instead of using Eldon Street North and Schwäbisch Gmünd Way.

These buses will be cancelled (or altered as detailed):

Service 1 1200 Barnsley to Staincross, 1230 Barnsley to Staincross, 1223 Staincross to Barnsley, 1253 Staincross to Barnsley

Service 11 1215 Barnsley to Athersley, 1245 Barnsley to Athersley, 1226 Athersley to Barnsley, 1256 Athersley to Barnsley

Service 12 1225 Barnsley to Athersley, 1238 Athersley to Barnsley. Note that the 1255 Barnsley to Athersley and 1308 Athersley to Barnsley will run but may be delayed.

Service 59 1243 Wakefield to Barnsley will start in Royston at Station Road/Newtown Avenue at 1310. Note that the 1145 Barnsley to Wakefield will terminate in Royston at Station Road/Summer Lane (at 1106). Note that the 1245 Barnsley to Wakefield will run but may be delayed.

Service 92A 1230 Barnsley to Penistone

Service 93 1245 Barnsley to Woolley Colliery. Note that the 1211 Woolley Colliery to Barnsley will run. Note that the 1311 Woolley Colliery to Barnsley will run but may be delayed.

Service 95 1241 Kexborough to Barnsley. Note that the 1215 Barnsley to Kexborough will run. Note that the 1315 Barnsley to Kexborough will run. Note that the 1341 Kexborough to Barnsley will run.

A MAN missing from his home in Barnsley since Sunday has been found safe and well by police.

An appeal to track down Brian Wilson, 50, was launched today (April 29) after he had last been seen at his home in Derwent Crescent on Sunday Morning. 

A police spokesman said he was found safe and well in Hemsworth this afternoon.

A £1 million scheme to flatten half of a street in Goldthorpe and also develop a new school has been approved.

The plans for a new Goldthorpe Primary school, and a project to knock down one half of Beever Street to make way for a new housing development will now proceed.

Negotiations are already underway with the landlords of 14 of the 19 houses.

Council planning officer Joe Jenkinson said: "Overall it's a much welcome scheme and complies with the local plan policies and fits in with what we'd expect."

MORE than £30,000 will be spent on improving West Haigh Wood in Grimethorpe.

The area has received funding from the Forestry Commission, and a section 106 grant - where money comes from developers who put aside money to be spent in the communities where they have built.

The woodland thinning process will be done by horses.

CHECKOUT staff will be brought back in to one Barnsley supermarket after locals complained there were too many self checkouts.

Residents handed a 350-signature petition to the store in Grimethorpe complaining about the number of self checkout tills.

Gary Hotchins, of Grange Road, Brierley, said: "When we took the petition down the manager came out to see us and he was really good about the situation.

"He told us that head office are listening to what customers want, so they are putting the tills back in which is great news for our elderly residents."

It's expected that a staffed checkout will make a return in June. 

A HOUSING estate is set for a major makeover with £300,000 set aside to address residents' concerns.

The Aldham House estate in Wombwell will receive the cash boost after Berneslai Homes received feedback and comments from its tenants about external environmental issues.

A spokesperson said: "A budget of £300,000 has been made available in the Housing Revenue Capital Programme 2015-16 to address some of these issues, making the area a more attractive and safer place to live.

"We will continue to work with the community to develop and plan the work which will follow later this year."

A PUB is set to be demolished to make way for flats after planning approval was given by Barnsley Council.

The Coach and Horses Inn, on Church Street, Jump, will be replaced with nine flats.

In supporting documents, architects Hockey Architectural say that 'the public house is currently not in business and has been closed for some time due to a lack of business and no foreseeable future as a public house'.

It also states that replacing the pub, closed since August last year, would be beneficial to local housing stock and provide 'affordable housing'.

CRIME bosses have urged people to be careful about what they share on social media - as it could encourage stalkers.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings said he thinks stalking is an under-reported crime in South Yorkshire - in the last year just 20 incidents have been reported.

He said: “Anyone who suspects they are being stalked should be extremely careful what they put on social media accounts as stalkers may use this information to find out about their interests, family, school or place of work and even their plans for the evening."

He said anyone who feels threatened should call police on 101 (999 if it is an immediate danger.)

HOYLAND'S market and town centre is set for a multi-million-pound overhaul.

The market will move behind the Co-op, with new shops developed behind the town hall and a new supermarket on Market Street.

Developers Resilienti will submit plans in May and hope to develop it by Christmas.

What do you think to Hoyland's planned new look? Let us know in the comments.

BARNSLEY will be the home of new ITV period drama Jericho.

Wortley has been chosen as the new film set for the drama about the building of the Settle to Carlisle railway.

Filming starts next month and there will be opportunities for locals to appear as extras.

COOPER Gallery is to be overhauled - with a new entrance being developed on Eastgate.

A Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £638,000 will create new gallery space and a new entrance. 

Fiona Spiers, head of Heritage Lottery Fund, said:  “Not only does this project mean that a far greater proportion of the gallery’s collection can be seen and enjoyed by the public, but visitors will be able to find out about the people who collected the artworks.”

AN anniversary celebration is being planned for Barnsley's birthing centre - where more than 2,500 babies have been born in the last year.

An open day is being held on Tuesday (May 5) from 10am to mark the occasion. 

Sue Gibson, Head of Midwifery at Barnsley Hospital, said: “Since the renovation we have been able to offer more birthing options to women. Three new birthing pools were installed giving women the choice to have a water birth, so far 140 women have used the new birthing pools."

BARNSLEY Girlguiding units are short of adult leaders, leaving 100 local girls unable to join Rainbows, Brownies or Guides.

Join divisional commissioner Pat Padgett is appealing for more volunteers to come forward.

For more details visit girlguiding.org.uk/joinus or call Pat on 01226 321018.

THE Queen has selected a Barnsley company to get a top business prize.

Company Shop scooped the Award for Enterprise gong after a rigorous selection process. It was cited for its outstanding achievement. 

The company's shop at Tankersley sells surplus food from supermarket giants like Waitrose and Tesco.

Founder John Marren said: “After working for 40 years to build partnerships and collaboration across the food industry to tackle waste, it is fantastic to be recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for our contribution to sustainable development in the UK.”

POLICE have launched a crackdown on nuisance biking on the Trans Pennine Trail.

Foot and cycle patrols have been increased and - in the last week - two teenagers have been apprehended and their bikes seized.

Police Community Support Officer Stuart Kiley said: “It is a shame that a minority are engaging in antisocial behaviour and spoiling the trail for others.

“We won’t tolerate this crime and we will be taking action against those we find riding bikes in a manner that causes nuisance to walkers and the local community.”

Anyone who wishes to report nuisance bikes or antisocial behaviour should call 101.

PARTS of Barnsley could experience faster broadband by the end of this year.

The project - dubbed Superfast South Yorkshire - will ensure high speed connectivity for around 98 per cent of the borough's homes.

It's being jointly funded by the government, BT and Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Sheffield councils to the tune of £22 million.

The roll out is expected to start later this year and be completed by the end of 2017, but a map has been published by the partnership showing areas near Cudworth and Grimethorpe, Ardsley, Dodworth and Hoyle Mill could see completion by the end of this year.

A spokesman for Barnsley Council said: "The areas identified as 2015 are now in very early planning stages so it’s difficult to be specific as to when these will be ready for customer service, due to the engineering works required to achieve this."

BARNSLEY residents have been urged to take advantage of an alternative service in a bid to reduce waiting times in GPs.

NHS Barnsley's Clinical Commissioning Group has launched the free Pharmacyfirst scheme - which will give advice and medicines for treating minor illnesses and ailments.

It comes after research showed that 40 per cent of a GP's time is taken up dealing with minor conditions like coughs and colds, head lice, heartburn, eczema and dermatitis - ailments that could be dealt with by a pharmacist.

Dr Nick Balac, chair of Barnsley CCG, said: "Pharmacyfirst means that patients can now go straight to a pharmacist as their first port of call.

"This will free up a GP's time for dealing with more complex conditions, and may also decrease waiting times for appointments for those that really need them."

What do you think? Have you tried Pharmacyfirst yet? Have your say below.

THE community will vote to decide the future of a debt-ridden town council.

A vote will be held between July 13-16 to determine the future of Brierley Town Council.

Ex-clerk Janet Cooper was jailed for eight years in 2013 after abusing her position to pocket nearly £700,000.

The fraudster, from Sheffield, enjoyed lavish hotels, a £21,000 car and cruises around the Mediterranean using cash paid to the town council.

When the scale of her offending was uncovered she claimed to be blind and said she had no memory of events - although no medical evidence supported her claims.

Her actions left the council with spiralling debts, with residents in Brierley and Grimethorpe taking on the cost.

Voting will take place at a different location each day to make it as convenient as possible for all residents.

The count will take place on July 17.

More information about the community vote will be issued next month.

A NEW craft fair is being held at Horizon Community College this weekend.

The event - April Showers Bring May Flowers - has been organised by Barnsley-based Script Events and runs from 10am until 4pm on both days.

The fair is pegged to be the perfect weekend event for keen craft lovers and also for those wanting a day out with the kids.

A variety of handmade items including homeware, jewellery, preserves and baked goods will be on offer, as well as live demonstrations, fresh flowers and workshops where visitors can make their own bracelets and flower balloons.

Event organiser Lucy Dickinson said: "This year has brought a new venue for us and I feel it's ideally located with it being a stone's throw away from the town centre and motorway."

The venue is being decorated with an array of balloons provided by The Balloon Bug, of Wombwell, to make the event's flower theme come to life.

Those who attend the craft fair are also in with a chance of winning two tickets to Barnsley Musical Theatre Group's performance of Carousel.

Lucy added: "Lots can be expected from this event and it's certainly not one to be missed."

PLANS for a new primary school have been approved.

Barnsley Council granted planning permission for the school in Goldthorpe, subject to a number of planning conditions being carried out prior to work starting on site.

The school will be an important catalyst for the regeneration of Goldthorpe, replacing the current primary school on the corner of Doncaster Road and High Street, which was built at the turn of the century.

David Shepherd, service director for economic regeneration, said: "This brand new primary school for the children in the Dearne is fantastic and something the community has been waiting for.

"The school will also raise the confidence of businesses and housing developers in Goldthorpe and will, we hope, make a significant contribution to the future economic prosperity of the area."

BARNSLEY Football Club has signed a four-year kit deal with Puma.

The contract commences at the start of the 2015/16 season and will see Puma supply the club with their kits and training wear.

Reds chief executive Ben Mansford said: "We're thrilled and delighted to have entered into a partnership with such a leading brand.

"This new deal once again demonstrates the significant progress that has been made commercially here at Barnsley Football Club."

The opening of the club's new retail store will see the launch of the 2015/16 home kit which will be on sale in store and online in early June, closely followed by the away kit launch the following month.

DOG owners who allow their pet to foul in public areas could be fined up to £1,000 in a bid to eradicate the long-running issue.

New rules, introduced as part of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, will see a £100 fine issued initially.

However, those who fail to pay could be fined up to ten times as much if they refuse to pay.

Daventry in Northampton is set to become the first town in the country to adopt the measure, although others are expected to follow suit.

A Barnsley Council spokesperson said: "Currently, fixed penalty notices are issued for offences of allowing a dog to foul. The fine is £50 and recipients are given 14 days to pay.

"The council has a continuous programme of mapping issues of various types, and would use this tool to assist them where necessary."

A MAN is being sought after an assault in Barnsley town centre at the weekend.

A 28-year-old man was injured after being punched in the face near Wildcats, a lap dancing club on Wellington Street.

The victim, who was attacked at around 1am on Sunday morning, suffered facial injuries.

His attacker is described as being white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build with dark hair. The man is also believed to have possibly spoken with an Irish accent.

Witnesses to the incident are asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 1014 of April 12. Alternatively, report nformation anonymously on 0800 555 111.

CHANGES to some of the town's bus services will come into force this weekend.

Among the changes being introduced are increases in daytime running times on the X20 Barnsley-Doncaster service, as well as some redistribution of and increased running time on peak hour journeys.

As a result of the changes to the X20 there will be minor retiming of some afternoon journeys on the X19 Barnsley-Robin Hood Airport service.

Running time on the 22X Barnsley-Rotherham will be increased to improve punctuality, although departure times from Rotherham, and frequency, will remain unchanged.

Revised timetables on the 57, 59, and 59A Barnsley-Royston­-Wakefield services will see increased running times all day Monday-Saturday.

The current ten-minute frequency will be maintained through the use of an extra vehicle, plus additional peak hour journeys to and from Wakefield will be added.

The morning journey of service 444 Staincross-Darton College will also be retimed with increased running time to improve punctuality due to worsening traffic congestion.

Minor revisions to the Monday-Friday timetable will be made in peak times on services 93/95 Barnsley-Woolley Grange-Kexbrough to improve punctuality.

Revised timetables will be introduced on 222 Barnsley-Doncaster as well as the 226 Barnsley-Thurnscoe to maintain coordination with other services, while the Sunday evening timetable on service 228 Rotherham-Wath will be brought in line with Monday to Saturday evenings.

Paul Lynch, managing director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: "We're always looking to improve and enhance our services further and hope these latest changes will help us continue to do so."

The changes will come into effect from April 25.

A LARGE number of controlled drugs were seized from a property in Barnsley.

Officers conducted a morning raid at the property on Dearne Hall Road, Barugh Green, and arrested a 34-year-old man.

The substances are currently under forensic examination and the man remains in police custody.

GENEROUS Barnsley folk have been digging deep to give hope and inspiration to a terminally ill mum.

Alex Cole Swann, 32, of Smithies, is fighting cancer and is aiming to raise £250,000 to pay for pioneering new treatment.

Within hours of the story of Alex's 'Quest for Life' being published, people in Barnsley and beyond were backing the campaign by making a donation.

The total so far stands at an incredible £37,500.

Her husband Nathan, a self-employed plumber, said: "It's been brilliant, we just can't believe it. And it's not only Barnsley, one person in Dubai has even donated £5,000.

"It means so much to Alex and all of us. Every time we raise £25,000 it's another treatment and another milestone. It's just incredible, we feel blown away."

Click here to donate.

LEGAL action is being taken against travellers at a new site - because they've outstayed their welcome.

The site - at Stairfoot - was met with anger by local residents when plans were approved for its creation last year.

The 11-pitch site, on Grange Lane, is meant to be an 'emergency stopping place' which travellers could use for a 14-day period.

Seven weeks ago, nine caravans moved there - but they haven't moved since.

The council has not commented on whether rent has been paid but acknowledged it will now use legal action to resolve the situation.

A BARNSLEY woman has been jailed after committing a second benefit fraud offence.

Ann Marie Hanson, 49, of Windsor Street, Thurnscoe, failed to notify Barnsley Council when her son started living with her, which therefore affected her entitlement to a benefit under social security legislation.

Her failure to declare this change in circumstances resulted in an overpayment to which she wasn’t entitled, amounting to £2,303 in housing benefit and £131 in council tax benefit, paid between October 2012 and July 2014.

Hanson received an eight-week prison term.

A council spokesperson said: "Ann Marie Hanson's previous conviction ought to have caused and prompted her to report any further changes in circumstances.

"We would urge anyone who is tempted to cheat the system to stop and consider the consequences of prosecution."

A BARNSLEY shopper beat off more than 1,500 competition entries to drive away in a brand new car.

All customers had to do to win the prize bundle worth more than £12,000 was to spend £40 in one transaction in the Alhambra over the seven-week entry period.

Julia Garside, 67, was picked at random and is now the proud owner of a new Kia Rio.

Julia said: "I couldn't believe that my name was picked out at the shopping centre - I was very excited and it made the perfect Easter present!"

Steph Higham, the shopping centre's marketing manager, added: "We were delighted to team up with Burrows on this competition and very happy for Julia.

"We thrive on making our customers happy and we have lots more exciting competitions in the pipe line for the rest of 2015."

WORK has started on converting a former nightclub in the town centre into a children's play centre.

Father-of-three Nick Hadfield, 37, of Bainton Drive, Barnsley, was granted permission for the conversion and is delighted with the progress so far.

He plans to open the play centre, called Tedz, on May 9.

Nick said: "I've got three children and to be honest, I was looking for a business opportunity to pass on to them.

"I did look at other towns but because I am local I wanted to do it here so my kids have got something for their future.

"There aren't a lot of things to do in the town centre."