THE council is aiming for "minimum disruption" as the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race lands in the town on the same day as the Reds' final game of the season. 

May 3 will see a bumper sporting day for the borough, with elite cyclists including ex-Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins racing through the town's streets.

But Barnsley Football Club fans have contacted us to voice their concerns about the road closures in place, as the Reds face Rochdale at Oakwell.

To confuse matters more it's an early kick-off, with the game starting at 12.15pm.

Council spokesman Phillip Spurr said: "We are aware that the Barnsley FC game will take place during the Tour de Yorkshire on May 3 and are currently working alongside the football club on this issue.

"A number of road closures will take place during this period, however we aim to minimise disruption as far as possible.

"Further information about road closures during this period will be announced later this week."

A MAN has been arrested in connection to a suspected stabbing.

At around 1.10pm on April 18, emergency services were called to reports a man had been found injured in Carlton.

The man, believed to be in his 30s, was taken to hospital with a suspected stab wound.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed while enquiries continue.

The investigation is ongoing.

A FORMER Barnsley politician has died at the age of 91.

Lord Roy Mason, a former miner, served as Barnsley's MP from 1953 to 1987.

WITNESSES have been sought following a life-threatening collision in Barnsley.

At around 3.10pm on April 17, it's reported that a white Honda XR125 motorcycle and a silver Ford Focus were in collision near to the junction with Hanover Square and Grange Street in Thurnscoe.

The rider of the motorcycle, a 27-year-old man, has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Nobody was in the Focus at the time of the incident.

Witnesses to the collision should call South Yorkshire Police quoting incident number 588 of April 17.

PEOPLE in Barnsley have been invited to get their pets microchipped at a free event.

The RSPCA say no appointment is necessary for the event, which takes place at Burton Grange Community Centre on April 25 from 12-3pm.

Interested people are asked to bring a proof of address.

BARNSLEY actor Shaun Dooley is appearing in a BBC drama this week.

The popular actor, 41, takes on the role of Dave in BBC One's Ordinary Lies, who is the husband of fellow former EastEnders member Jo Joyner, who plays Beth.

Ambitious car showroom boss Mike, played by Max Beesley, is the driving force behind the business, but his marriage seems to be in less-than-perfect working condition.

His actions suggest an interest in Beth, the firm's head of sales. Beth, however, is still reeling from Dave's mysterious disappearance a year ago.

Danny Brocklehurst, who wrote the six-part series, said: "It's a show about how you think you know people, but there are always some secrets, there are always some lies, and I wanted to explore that."

A CCTV image has been released after a man claimed to have a gun in Barnsley Interchange.

British Transport Police officers want to speak to him about the incident, which happened at 6pm on March 17.

PC Mark Mason said: "A man on platform one approached members of the public claiming to have a gun in his bag.

"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."

Officers have spoken to people who were on the platform at the time of the incident, and reviewed CCTV footage from the station.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B13 of 17/04/2015.

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

POLICE have confirmed a fire which destroyed a former popular pub is being treated as arson.

Firefighters were called to the derelict Oliver Twist in Notton at around 7.10am on April 12.

The blaze broke out on the building's first floor and caused its roof to collapse.

The once-popular venue, on the junction of Notton Lane and Bleakley Lane, closed in 2013 but is in the process of being demolished to make way for 15 new homes.

Anyone with any information should contact police on non-emergency number 101.

A MAN has been jailed for eight years after being convicted of sexual offences against an underage girl in Barnsley.

Philip Wright, 37, of South Drive, Bolton-upon-Dearne, was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on April 15.

He was convicted in March of seven counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 following a five-day trial.

Wright got in touch with the victim via Facebook in April 2014 when she was 15 years old.

He began sending her sexually explicit messages and persuaded her to meet up with him.

Wright then pressured her to have sex with him. They met up on a number of occasions over the next few months.

Police were contacted in September 2014 after the victim’s mum received a phone bill for £500. When she checked her daughter’s phone she found sexually explicit messages from Wright on Facebook.

Wright was arrested and initially charged with two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Detective Constable Helen Swift said: "Wright is a cold and calculated individual. He preyed on a young girl who was vulnerable due to her age and took advantage of her.

"By putting her through the traumatic process of reliving what happened in court he has caused her further distress and anxiety.

"I want to praise the courage of the victim who has been incredibly strong throughout the investigation and the trial, as well as her family who have remained dignified throughout."

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.

DONCASTER ROAD, DARFIELD

Stop/Go boards until April 21.

HIGHAM COMMON ROAD, HIGHAM

Temporary 30mph speed limit until April 23, including overnight closures on the 12th and 19th.

WAKEFIELD ROAD, STAINCROSS

Road closed between 11am and 3pm for the Tour de Yorkshire cycle race on May 5. Also affects Bar Lane, Blacker Road, Greenside, Staincross Common and Windhill Lane.

CHURCH LANE, BARNSLEY

Road closed between 11am and 3pm for the Tour de Yorkshire. Also affects St Mary's Gate, Huddersfield Road, Regent Street, Eldon Street North, Old Mill Lane and Church Street.

ST MARY'S GATE, BARNSLEY

Road closed between 11am and 3pm for the Tour de Yorkshire.

BARUGH GREEN ROAD, BARUGH GREEN

Temporary closure from 11am until 3pm for the Tour de Yorkshire. Also affects Cawthorne Road.

WILTHORPE ROAD, REDBROOK

Temporary closure from 11am until 3pm for the Tour de Yorkshire.

WAKEFIELD ROAD, SMITHIES

Temporary closure from 11am until 3pm for the Tour de Yorkshire.

KENDRAY STREET, BARNSLEY

Overnight road closure on May 23.

DARFIELD ROAD, CUDWORTH

Temporary two-way traffic lights until April 28.

MANCHESTER ROAD, DODWORTH

Temporary 30mph speed limit until June 1.

BARNSLEY ROAD, SILKSTONE

Temporary 30mph speed limit until June 1.

GRENO VIEW, HOYLAND

Roadworks until July 16.

SPRINGFIELD CRESCENT, HOYLAND

Road closures in three phases until July 16.

PARK SPRING ROAD, LITTLE HOUGHTON

Temporary 40mph speed limit until September 30.

MOBILE speed cameras will operate on the following roads this week:

A628 Barnsley Road, Cudworth

A628 Pontefract Road, Lundwood

A629 Halifax Road, Wortley

A633 Rotherham Road, Athersley South

A633 Rotherham Road, Monk Bretton

A633 Wakefield Road, Barnsley

A633 Warren Vale Road, Swinton

A635 Doncaster Road, Ardsley

A635 Saltersbrook Road, Darfield

B6096 Station Road, Wombwell

B6411 Houghton Road, Thurnscoe

Brierley Road, Grimethorpe

Doncaster Road, Wath

Pogmoor Road, Barnsley

A CORDON was put in place after a suspicious package was reported to the police.

Officers were called to a business premises on Waterside Park, Valley Way, Wombwell at 11.40am on Friday morning.

It was reported a suspicious package containing an unknown substance had been delivered to the premises.

Emergency services attended and a cordon was put in place while enquiries were carried out. It has now been established that the substance was not harmful.

Police have launched a criminal investigation to establish the identity of the person who sent the package.

They would like to thank staff and the public for their co-operation and patience during the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 388 of April 17.

BARNSLEY boss Lee Johnson has told fans to expect a more "ruthless" side as preparations for next season's campaign begin.

Peterborough arrive at Oakwell this weekend in what is the Reds' penultimate home game, and Johnson says it's a chance for people to see a glimpse of the future.

His side - without a win in their last seven after a superb nine-game unbeaten run at the start of his tenure - know their last three matches are of little importance with the play-off places all but finalised.

However, the 33-year-old already has his sights firmly set on how he expects the club to be over the summer months.

He said: "We're going to be quite ruthless this year. It's fair to say we'll need to make signings, perhaps between eight and 12 players.

"What we have done is got our recruitment team in place so we're ready. Last year it sounded like pre-season was a bit of a scramble, so I want players with a winning mentality to come in early.

"There are a lot of good players on the market and we're not going to leave offers open to players for too long."

April 18: Peterborough (H)

April 25: Bradford (A)

May 3: Rochdale (H)

DETAILS have been announced for this year's Rainbow Run.

Back by popular demand, Barnsley Hospital Charity's popular event returns for a second year on May 17 at Locke Park.

It involves participants either running, walking or dancing their way around a 1km or 5km course. Every penny raised will go to the charity to support patient care.

Registration for the event begins at 11am on May 17, with the 1k starting at 12pm followed by the 5k starting at 1pm.

Stephen Wragg, chairman of Barnsley Hospital, said: "The Rainbow Run is a fantastic opportunity to support your local hospital and we can guarantee that the money raised from this event will make a real difference to our patients' lives.

"Last year’s event was a huge success and we hope that we can raise even more money this year.

"Participants will be encouraged and cheered around the course, while our Rainbow Warriors will be at hand to cover you head to toe in the colours of the rainbow - it's a fantastic fun day out for the whole family."

Click here for more details.

THE organiser of a popular Volkswagen car show held annually in Elsecar for 17 years is furious that Barnsley Council asked him to move it elsewhere.

Simon McNamara has been running the 'Elsecar Mega Meet' every year from Elsecar Heritage Centre.

It took place this year on Easter Monday, attracting around 1,600 visitors who flocked to the village.

But Mr McNamara has now been told by Barnsley Council that the show will have to move on as it has "outgrown" the venue and there's not enough parking.

Mr McNamara, 35, of Wombwell, said: "They basically said people who wanted to enjoy Elsecar couldn't enjoy it anymore because of us. I'm still in shock.

"Why do they want to shut something that makes money and then complain they have no money? They want their heads testing."

A council spokeswoman added: "The VW event is very popular and has outgrown Elsecar Heritage Centre as a venue.

"The last event had a negative impact on visitors and local people and there wasn't enough car parking available.

"The organisers know that they will need to find a new venue for next year and we'll support them with this."

Simon is now in talks with Doncaster Council to move the show to the Doncaster area.

SCORES of people turned out for the funeral of a war hero from Barnsley who passed away at the age of 91.

Thursday marked Ken Burkinshaw's funeral, who served aboard HMS Sheffield when he was only 16 and completed nine trips to Russia in -40ºC conditions to deliver supplies to allies.

More than 3,000 men died during the Arctic visits and Ken was awarded by both British and Russian governments in his later life, receiving the Arctic Star and Ushakov medals.

MOTORISTS have been told to expect delays after a crash on the M1 this morning.

On the M1 southbound between junctions 37 and 35A, there are currently delays of 20 minutes caused by congestion due to an earlier overturned vehicle.

THE owner of two dogs which brought death and mayhem to a small estate has been fined a total of £500.

But the Akitas, owned by Istvan Horanszky, which faced being put down, were given a stay of execution provided they're kept on a leash and muzzled in public.

One of the Japanese dogs killed and ate a black and white cat called Poppy, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Horanszky, 53, of Shortwood Villas, Hoyland, admitted two charges of owning dogs which were dangerously out of control, was ordered to pay £250 to the owner of the dead cat, a £50 victim surcharge and £35 in costs.

RESIDENTS' complaints have forced a clamp down on illegal off-road motorcyclists.

Police have released a picture of a motorbike that they're searching for in connection with driving offences and antisocial behaviour.

The action comes directly after concerns of residents in Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton-upon-Dearne were aired to the Dearne Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Sgt Julie Emsden said: "We're actively searching for this bike and would like anyone with information about where it's stored, or who is riding it, to contact 101 quoting incident number 176 of April 14.

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

A MAN who can shed light on the death of his girlfriend is being hunted by police.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Nicholas Walmsley after he failed to answer a witness summons to attend the inquest of 25-year-old Leonie Louise Davies in Sheffield last week.

Leonie, of Race Street, Barnsley, died from multiple crush injuries to her legs and lower body after being run over by a HGV lorry in the early hours of April 18 last year.

Leonie's family chose to adjourn proceedings in order for him to be brought before the court and answer their questions.

Assistant coroner Louise Slater said: "He will be found by the police and arrested and brought to this court to be dealt with and to explain why he hasn't attended."

A MAN has been rescued by firefighters after a fire broke out in his flat.

Two fire crews attended the incident on Barnsley Road, Cudworth, at 10pm on Wednesday night.

Firefighters entered the flat and found the man overcome by smoke in the living room.

Crews quickly rescued the man and he was taken to hospital by ambulance, suffering from smoke inhalation.

The fire is believed to have started due to smoking materials.

Crews left the scene at 11pm.

BARNSLEY fans are uniting to tackle a 23.9-mile charity walk in memory of the Valley Parade fire disaster.

The Barnsley Football Club Supporters’ Trust and the West Stand Bogs Fanzine are working together to walk to Bradford City's home in memory of the 56 football fans who tragically never made it home in 1985.

When Bradford host Barnsley at Valley Parade on April 25, it will be 30 years since a fire engulfed the stadium's main stand.

The charity walk - aiming to raise money for the Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit - will also help Barnsley charity Jaxon’s Gift.

Paul Gallagher, chairman of the supporters' trust, said: "The fire will always go down as one of the saddest days in football history. Nobody should fail to make it home from a football match and we’re honoured that ourselves and our fanzine are working together to make a difference for this anniversary.

"We encourage as many supporters as possible to get involved or make a donation to this great cause."

A number of the Reds' staff will also be taking part in the charity walk, including chief executive Ben Mansford.

He said: "In what was such a tragic event for the world of football, we're proud to see so many Barnsley fans get behind the charity walk and raise money for two fantastic causes.

"It’s going to be a big challenge for all who are taking part but it’s one that we’re looking forward to and we hope to see as many Reds fans as possible on the starting line."

WITNESSES have been sought after a vehicle was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road in Barnsley.

Police were called at around 5pm on March 28 following reports that a Vauxhall Astra-derived van was driving in an unusual manner.

It's reported that the vehicle travelled from Mapplewell, along the M1 southbound between junctions 38 and 37, before travelling through Pogmoor past Barnsley Hospital.

It's alleged that, at times on its journey, the vehicle was driving on the wrong side of the road.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the manner of driving of the Astra. Please call 101 quoting incident number 691 of March 28.

PARENTS across Barnsley will find out if their child has gained a place at their desired primary school today.

Barnsley Council has issued guidance to those who have any questions about the whole process.

A statement read: "We’ll get in touch with you on April 16 to tell you the name of the school at which we can offer your child a place.

"If you applied online, we’ll email you. If you submitted a paper application, we’ll write to you.

"If a place is available at your first preference school, we’ll offer your child a place there. If there are only places available at your second or third preference schools, we’ll offer your child a place at one of these schools, but place your child’s name on the waiting lists of any schools you’ve ranked higher.

"If places are available at more than one of the schools your prefer, we’ll offer your child a place at the school you’ve ranked highest on your form.

"If places aren’t available at any of the schools you prefer, we’ll offer your child a place at the school nearest your address that has places available.

"If you don’t want to accept the place we offer, you must tell school admissions in writing within 10 working days of receiving your offer."

ANOTHER horse has been stabbed in Barnsley.

The latest attack, which follows the fatal wounding of Michelle Steeples' seven-year-old mare Tilly two weeks ago, happened on April 12 in Gilroyd.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police received a call at around 7.15pm on April 12 reporting that a horse had received two wounds to its body and legs.

"The owner contacted police after checking on her horses that were being kept on land off Keresforth Hill Road.

"The injuries are not thought to be serious, but enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with information should call South Yorkshire Police on 101.

A MISSING teenager has been found safe and well.

Fionn Bolton, 15, hadn't been seen since Sunday but has now been located and is safe and well.

Police thanked the public for their assistance.

POLICE are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 15-year-old girl from Barnsley.

Fionn Bolton was last seen at around lunchtime on April 12 leaving her home in Honeywell Lane.

She did not return that evening and has not been seen since.

Fionn is described as being white, around 5ft 2in tall, with shoulder-length brown hair that has red streaks in it.

She was last seen wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with black jeans.

Fionn’s family and the police are growing increasingly concerned about her welfare and want to hear from anyone who may have seen her.

FIONN HAS NOW BEEN FOUND. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE APPEAL.

A SHOP owner has offered a £5,000 reward for information after an armed robbery.

Costcutter, on Fish Dam Lane, Monk Bretton, was targeted at around 9pm on April 13.

Owner Ron Ford said: "Two masked men ran in with knives and crow bars and robbed one of my tills.

"Thankfully they didn't hurt any of my staff but I'm offering £5,000 as a reward to anyone who can give me information to catch and prosecute them.

"These bullies need to be caught as soon as possible."

A post on his Facebook page has been shared over 4,000 times.

A police spokesperson said: "At around 9.15pm on April 13, it's reported that two men with their faces covered entered the Costcutter store in Fish Dam Lane, Monk Bretton.

"The two fled the scene on foot with a quantity of cash. Please call 101 quoting incident number 1054 of April 13 if you have any information.

"Alternatively, report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

YOUTHS have been blasted after reports of persistent antisocial behaviour inside the town's McDonald's restaurant.

The fast food giant had installed a ban on unaccompanied under 16s, saying they could buy food but had to take it away from the Old Mill Lane premises.

Incidents have included customers being assaulted, spat at and verbally abused, according to the restaurant's business manager Alison Jayne.

However, the age restriction lasted just six days.

Safer Neighbourhood Inspector Julie Mitchell said: "There have been a number of reports of antisocial behaviour at this branch of McDonald’s in recent weeks and we take these reports seriously.

"We're working closely with the management team to address these issues and PCSOs have attended on a regular basis to offer reassurance to staff and customers.

"We will consider a full range of enforcement tools to deal with each individual, and will address the behaviour of young people in consultation with their parents.

"This will include the use of acceptable behaviour contracts, referrals to the Youth Offending Team, or relevant court orders."

BARNSLEY boss Lee Johnson has vowed to start building for next season as the Reds' play-off chances came to an end last night.

Having had their season revitalised over a period which saw a nine-game unbeaten run, Barnsley's momentum has come to a halt over the last three weeks with no wins in their last seven outings.

That winless run has seen the Reds slip from sixth to mid-table, leaving them seven points adrift with four games to go going into last night's match away at relegation-threatened Notts County.

In what was a must-win one, the away side got off to the best possible start by taking the lead through Sam Winnall's superb volley in the ninth minute.

The striker's 11th of the campaign - a goal of the season contender - saw him play a one-two with in-form Josh Scowen before smashing the ball into the far corner.

In a frantic period which saw innumerable chances rain down on County's goal, Winnall and Jabo Ibehre both threatened to double the Reds' lead.

Barnsley - who hit the woodwork twice - continued to dominate but the hosts fought for their League One status with all their might and got their reward in injury time through Balint Bajner.

Although the 1-1 draw doesn't make it mathematically impossible just yet, the writing's on the wall as Barnsley's rivals would have to fail to pick up any points from their remaining games, leaving the Reds needing to record nine points from their last three.

"We begin to build for next year now," Lee Johnson said. "We should have won the game. We've hit the post, we've hit the bar and Jabo should have probably scored that one-on-one with their goalkeeper.

"We want to win games and we'll go into the end of the season wanting to win those."

April 18: Peterborough (H)

April 25: Bradford (A)

May 3: Rochdale (H)

A BARNSLEY woman gassed herself with exhaust fumes the day after her beloved horse passed away, an inquest was told.

Steph Lees, 42, was found slumped in her car clutching a lock of Jake's hair, her horse of 15 years.

She left a note to her parents, John and Jo Lees, saying she could not cope without Jake and a list of friends to whom money was to be given.

Assistant coroner Julian Fox accepted the cause of death as carbon monoxide toxicity.

He said Stephanie had no record of mental illness and had rarely visited her GP.

He recorded a verdict of suicide, and said: "I have no doubt at all that Stephanie did intend to take her own life and I record she died as a result of suicide.

"I hope her family can take some small comfort from this as perhaps in her mind at least she is with the horse she loved so much."

A TOWN centre alley was cordoned off by police after a teenage boy was found with facial injuries.

The alley near Peel Square was blocked off by police for several hours on April 10.

Officers attended the scene at 1.20am and found a 16-year-old on Peel Street.

However, after enquiries, police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the boy's injury.

EBONIE Webb has sadly passed away.

The seven-year-old, who had been fighting a brain tumour since she was just six months old, lost her battle after years of treatment.

Shane Bristoe, who runs the Team Ebonie website, said: "This morning (Tuesday) I was informed that Ebonie had died and become God's newest angel.

"I'm just numb, it's not sunk in that she's gone. Let's take a leaf out of Ebonie's book and remember that she was a inspiration to us all, showing us never to give up in the face of adversity.

"She fought a good fight right to the end."

A NEW bus service has been launched for out-of-town students commuting to and from Barnsley.

The free return service - which will collect students from various areas in Rotherham and Sheffield - has been introduced by Barnsley College.

It hopes to give students from outside the district the opportunity to study in the town without having to worry about the cost of travel.

The bus service will pick up students from Kimberworth, Thorpe Hesley, Ecclesfield, Chapeltown and High Green and at stops within Barnsley in Birdwell and Worsbrough in a morning and return after lessons finish.

Louise Simpson, head of student services, said: "This new service allows students to study at an outstanding college without travel expenses being a barrier."

A FIRE broke out inside a former pub on the outskirts of Barnsley.

Firefighters were called to the derelict Oliver Twist in Notton at around 7.10am on Sunday morning.

The blaze broke out on the building's first floor and caused its roof to collapse.

The once-popular venue, on the junction of Notton Lane and Bleakley Lane, is in the process of being demolished to make way for 15 new homes.

Investigations are ongoing.

HARBOROUGH Hill Road has been closed off twice in a week following threats of suicide.

Initially closed to traffic and pedestrians on Thursday evening, the same cordon had to be put in place on Saturday evening. 

Police teams successfully spoke to the person and the road was reopened a short time after on both occasions.

A spokesperson said: "At 7.25pm on April 11, police responded to reports that a 17-year-old girl was sitting on the bridge on Harborough Hill Road in Barnsley.

"Officers spoke to the girl, who was sitting on the wrong side of the railings, and she was taken to a place of safety."