AN anti-racism meeting will take place in the town tonight.

Organised by Barnsley Trades Council, it takes place at the Civic at 7pm.

BTUC secretary Brian Steele said: "Our council has always argued that racism divides workers and leaves us weaker.

"In a time of austerity workers cannot afford to let ourselves start arguing and blaming each other.

"I’m proud that we have brought together a distinguished panel to speak on this issue."

Speakers include Graham Kyte, John Grayson and Michael Short.

A MAN facing 15 sex charges has been sent to Sheffield Crown Court.

Michael Sowerby, 59, who is facing charges including rape and attempted rape, will make his first appearance on March 18.

Sowerby, of Greenside Avenue, Mapplewell made no pleas and was granted conditional bail at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

CATCHING a bus to work could save motorists £1,100 a year, according to Stagecoach.

The study by the bus operator found that local bus users save an average of £95 per month by leaving their car in the driveway - despite plummeting fuel costs.

Prices at the pump are at their lowest level for four years, but the survey of key commuter corridors found that hopping on the bus was still cheaper than the cost of fuel and car parking.

The study, carried out between January 13-16, found that a weekly journey on the 220/222 is £11.50 compared to £35 in the car.

Paul Lynch, managing director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: "People may be surprised to hear that, despite lower fuel prices for motorists, it's still possible to save a significant amount of money by commuting by bus.

"We have been independently found to offer the best value fares in Britain and we're continuing to deliver savings for customers, particularly through our multi-journey tickets which are used by the majority of our passengers."

"NIGHTMARE" police cuts will put every man, woman and child in Barnsley at risk, it's been warned.

The stark warning came from Neil Bowles, chairman of the South Yorkshire branch of the Police Federation, as it launched its #CutsHaveConsequences campaign.

Police chiefs must make savings of £74.5 million by 2017 and Mr Bowles said 600 police officer jobs had already been axed in the last eight years.

He said while there are some 2,600 officers on the force now, the fear is that by 2018 the federation expects to have just 2,400 - branding it "an ongoing policing nightmare".

The federation, which represents bobbies on the beat in South Yorkshire, has called on the public to raise the importance of a properly funded police service with councillors and MPs.

Mr Bowles said: "The budget cuts mean less policing in South Yorkshire. This affects every resident, employee, child, student and pensioner in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

"We have lost 600 police officers since 2007 - the number of officers working in communities have been drastically reduced. 

"Things aren't right. The public pay for policing but they're being short-changed."

RESIDENTS have hit out at Barnsley Council's handling of supplying homes with larger bins.

Scores of people flocked to We Are Barnsley's Facebook page after a disgruntled resident got in touch to say they had been waiting for a year for larger bins.

Almost 500 commenters shared their thoughts, with the majority saying they too had been waiting for between six and 12 months.

The council - who delivered over 40,000 bins to 30,000 households in response to the changes in the recycling service last year - said the number of requests was three times higher than expected.

Coun Roy Miller told WAB: "We are delighted with the positive response to the recycling changes but the number of requests for recycling bins has led to problems with the manufacture and distribution of such a large number of bins.

"Residents have contacted us to say that they have not received bins ordered some time ago. We have a note of these but are unable to complete delivery at this time as we are currently out of stock of the larger recycling bins.

"We are awaiting a delivery of bins from our supplier and once received we will complete distribution of bins to those residents.

"Residents are reminded that small recycling bins, grey bins and green bins are currently available for collection from our depot at Smithies Lane which is open from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday."

AN overzealous traffic warden has been slammed by a Barnsley man - after he was accused of having a severed head in the back of his car.

Ben Sanders, 35, of Castle Street, left his car parked outside St George's Church, York Street, on Thursday.

When returning to the car, Ben noticed that nearby a traffic warden had issued him a ticket for being parked illegally - despite the disabled badge being in view.

"The warden was on the phone beside my car having what sounded like a very serious phone call," Ben said. "I was annoyed about the ticket as the badge was in place but he told me he was more concerned about what was on the back seat."

Danielle, Ben's partner, is a hairdressing student and her equipment is usually left in the Ford Fiesta - including a head mannequin.

"The warden rang the police as he thought I had been driving around Barnsley with a decapitated head in the back of my car," Ben added. "I totally forgot about the ticket as I was so annoyed that this man was calling me a murderer."

Ben - who has contacted the council in a bid to get the fine rescinded - now sees the funny side of it.

"All I was doing was taking my mother-in-law to church - I'm not Ted Bundy."

A BARNSLEY man has been jailed for engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Andrew Gosling, 21, of Masons Way, Kendray, pleaded guilty to inciting sexual activity and three counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Police began investigating after the parents of the teenage girl raised concerns that their daughter had become secretive and they suspected she was being contacted by Gosling.

The investigation uncovered that, over a two-year period, Gosling repeatedly contacted the girl through internet messaging.

Gosling admitted to inciting sexual activity and engaging in sexual activity with the child after originally meeting her in 2012 when she was 12 years old.

He was sentenced to three years and six months in prison at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday.

Acting Detective Inspector Heather Stocks said: "This case highlights the importance of spotting the signs of child sexual exploitation. The parents' vigilance in recognising the signs ensured that this offence could be investigated and the perpetrator brought to justice.

"I hope that the sentence can ensure that the girl and her family can begin to rebuild their lives and we will continue to provide any support that they require."

THE Reds marched into the play-off places with their sixth win on the bounce on Saturday.

Barnsley boss Lee Johnson, who made a winning return to former club Oldham, watched his side triumph 3-1 with goals from Conor Hourihane and a Lewin Nyatanga brace.

The defender, who broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark, hit home from close range to put the visitors ahead.

Hourihane, who was in the right place at the right time in another goalmouth scramble six minutes later, grabbed his 13th of the season when an attempted clearance ricocheted in off the unaware playmaker to double the Reds' lead.

Mike Jones halved Oldham's deficit before half-time with a well-taken shot but Nyatanga was on hand once again to secure Barnsley's sixth consecutive win to put his side into the final play-off place.

Johnson said: "We've been professional, scored a couple from set pieces and won the game which is what we came to do.

"If you're going to be successful you need to share the goals around the team and it was great for Lewin to get two goals."

Next up for the Reds is a trip to relegation-threatened Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.

HUNDREDS of ill Barnsley folk will have a greater say in how care budgets are spent from April.

The town's leading the way in a radical power shift as hundreds of high-need service users gain control of their own integrated health and social care budgets.

The first wave of the Integrated Personal Commissioning (IPC) programme will go live on April 1, providing some 10,000 people across the country with complex needs with greater power to decide how the money is spent.

People will be supported to take more control of their own health and wellbeing needs, using support plans tailored to them and funding to reflect what works for the individua.

Dr Nick Balac, local GP and chair of Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "This radical initiative builds on work we're already doing and puts much more choice and control in the hands of individuals.

"For the first time they can decide on the blend of support they themselves want."

A NEW police team is tackling 20 of Barnsley's most anti-social families.

The team, which includes a police officer and council officers, was established to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, getting children back into school and reducing the demand placed on the emergency services.

A list of 20 families were identified as causing a negative impact on their neighbours and the local community.

Using police and civil powers, the team are able to work on a case-by-case basis to establish the cause of the issues created by each family.

A spokesperson said: "They conduct warrants, utilise CCTV cameras and issue warning notices.

"So far the team have issued 14 anti-social behaviour contracts, one anti-social behaviour order (ASBO), seven community protection notices and 16 tenancy warning letters."

If you have been affected by any of the issues, contact police by calling 101.

THE countdown to the Tour de Yorkshire cycling race is on.

The inaugural race, which will travel on just under ten miles of Barnsley's roads on May 3, will see cyclists enter the borough at 12.42 from Wakefield via the A61 Barnsley Road.

The race will then continue down Wakefield Road onto Old Mill Lane before turning left onto Eldon Street, Regent Street, Church Street, St Mary’s Gate and Church Lane.

After leaving the town centre the race will head on the A635 down Wilthorpe Road along Barugh Green Road continuing onto Lane Head Road before leaving the borough to Kirklees.

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for place, said: "This is a great opportunity for Barnsley residents and businesses to get involved with the thrill of this outstanding race which makes up part of the international cycling calendar."

There are many places for people to view the race in Barnsley including the town centre, which will see cycling teams manoeuvre their way through the tight streets.

Those who want to watch all the action up close are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they find a spot.

Alongside the race there will be lots of fun things to do during the day which include an outdoor specialist sports market, performances from the Frumptarn Guggen Band, cycling roadshows, a Tour de France exhibition in the Better Barnsley shop on Cheapside and a town centre art installation.

A MAN who dishonestly claimed more than £21,360 in benefits has been given a suspended jail term.

Wheelchair-bound Hedley Bailey, 62, claimed council tax and employment support allowance because he did not have ready money, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Jack Danaher, defending, said Bailey received £99,000 from the sale of his mother's home when she went into care.

He said he was paying care home fees of £350 a week, but his mother died in July 2010.

Mr Danaher said had invested money in a bond but that was not due to mature until 2018.

Bailey, of Laithes Lane, Athersley North, admitted two benefit fraud charges, was ordered to pay £85 in costs, a victim surcharge of £80 and handed a ten-week suspended jail sentence.

COLLEGE students in Barnsley have been getting into the Comic Relief spirit.

Jessica Lee Henderson set up a Facebook page for people to upload photos of their 'silly selfies', with staff and students invited to donate to this year's campaign.

Various other activities are taking place across college sites today (Friday) and it's hoped that everybody will get involved and help raise money for the worthwhile cause.

Jessica said: "We have a dressing-up box and lots of props so people can really throw themselves into this and have a bit of fun.

"We’ve even managed to get some gifts donated so the best three selfies uploaded to Facebook will be chosen at the end of the day and awarded a prize."

A WOMAN has been given an 18-week jail term for a campaign of abuse against her gay neighbours.

Sarah Youel got into a violent struggle with prison officers as the sentence was announced at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

The raging 27-year-old, who was on remand for making a comment to one of the women next door while on bail, knocked a female prison officer to the floor.

Youel, of Strafford Walk, Dodworth, was also banned from contacting victims Lois Pearson and Joanne Brown for five years.

District Judge John Foster said: "This harassment is particularly unpleasant because it emanated from your discriminatory attitude towards your neighbours because of their sexuality."

A FASHION retailer which first opened in Barnsley 75 years ago has begun a new chapter in its history.

Ashworth & Bird, in Eldon Street, has changed its name from Frank Bird Menswear under which it has traded since 1939.

The move is part of a rebranding by the independent retail group which now owns the store, and staff report the change has been well received by customers.

It's being supported by the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC) through the Enterprising Barnsley programme, which is funded by Barnsley Council.

Frank Bird's aim, however difficult at the time, was to seek out the finest ranges of menswear available throughout Europe.

His son, Malcolm, later took over the reins and ran the store and its sister shop in Wakefield until he retired six years ago and sold the business to Jersey-based Richard Clews.

The nine stores in Richard’s portfolio, which sell designer fashion and accessories for men, women and children, were all brought under the Ashworth & Bird banner last year.

Kevin Steel, Enterprising Barnsley’s business development manager at BBIC, said: "The name of 'Frank Bird' has been synonymous with Barnsley and fine quality for many years.

"As well as being part of the town's heritage, it's a huge asset to our retail offering and I've been a customer myself for a number of years.

"We're delighted to be able to support Ashworth & Bird going forward with their new brand and we wish them another 75 years of success."

HUNDREDS of Barnsley children will have to be re-vaccinated - because medication was compromised after being stored in a faulty fridge.

Kids who were vaccinated between January 2009 and June 2014 are being recalled to Brierley Medical Practice.

A letter has been sent to parents warning that whilst being given a vaccine stored at the wrong temperature was not harmful, it may be less effective than normal.

It states staff cannot be certain that children vaccinated throughout the five-year period are adequately protected.

NHS England said a total of 515 children are affected but only 351 are still registered at the surgery.

Those no longer registered at Brierley will receive a letter from their new practice.

Fiona Jorden, consultant in public health for NHS England (Yorkshire and Humber), said: "We would like to offer our apologies for any concern that has been caused to patients and their families by this incident.

"As a precautionary measure and to ensure they have the optimum protection the vaccines have to offer, all affected patients have now been encouraged to make an appointment to receive further vaccinations as required."

DOG owners in Grimethorpe can get a free basic dog health check for their pooch.

The pet's ears, eyes, teeth, coat condition and general fitness will be checked thanks to an offer from the Dogs Trust in partnership with Barnsley Council.

There will also be an opportunity to arrange free vaccination, flea and worm prevention if the owner also agrees to have the dog neutered at a participating vet free of charge.

Free microchipping is also available.

Coun Roy Miller said: "This is a great opportunity for Grimethorpe dog owners to make sure their pet is fit and healthy.

"I also encourage people to consider getting their dog neutered - there are many health benefits and it can prevent unwanted litters."

The Dogs Trust will be at St Luke's Church, St Luke's Road, Grimethorpe, on March 24 from 11am to 2pm.

Limited numbers are available so dogs will be treated on a first come first served basis with the last dog seen at 2pm.

All dogs must be wearing a collar and lead and have a handler present who is over 18 years old. Proof of address will be required and owners are also asked to bring along proof of any vaccinations their dog has already had.

POLICE have quashed rumours that two people have been arrested following claims of attempted child abduction in Barnsley.

Speculation remains rife on social media pages, but South Yorkshire Police confirmed that there's no truth in people saying that a pair had been detained.

Four reports have been made by the public over the last few weeks, although each one has been 'thoroughly' investigated and dismissed.

A spokesperson said: "If anyone has information about someone they believe may have committed any offences, this needs to be shared with police, not the public through social media."

Anyone wishing to report any suspicious activity should call 101 or speak to their local officers on patrol.

THE heartbroken mother of two boys murdered by their father was told not to blame herself for the deaths during their inquest.

Claire Throssell, mum of Jack, 12, and nine-year-old Paul, said: "The fact that I wasn't there when my children needed me the most will haunt me forever - I would have gladly given my own life in order for them to keep theirs.

"Their lives have been short and deliberately taken in an evil and horrific way but they entered the world surrounded by love and in the end left our world surrounded by love and they're forever engraved near my heart."

She said she felt she should have prevented the boys visiting her ex-husband Darren Sykes.

The 43-year-old was asked to record the moods of the brothers when they returned from their father's home.

However, that call took place a couple of hours before the fire which killed the brothers at their former family home on Tennyson Close, Penistone.

But coroner Chris Dorries reassured Claire, saying: "Your loss deeply affects me. I've sat here a long time and listened to many cases and you have nothing to blame yourself about."

Claire had been working late on the day of the blaze and arrived home about ten minutes after Sykes picked up Jack and Paul from the house she shared with her mother in Thurlstone.

Police then arrived about 15 minutes later to tell Claire of the fire.

She added: "Jack and Paul passed away in my arms and safely wrapped in my love. I am extremely lucky to have many memories of precious time spent with them."

A DISABLED man was left humiliated after being told by a bus driver his wheelchair was too big to take on the bus.

Mark Ravenhill, who has cerebral palsy, is heavily reliant on public transport to get him about town.

The 30-year-old tried to board the number one Stagecoach bus on February 18 but claims a "grumpy" bus driver was reluctant to put the access ramp down for him and later told him his wheelchair was 'too big'.

Mark, of Spring Grove, Carlton, said this left him feeling embarrassed and intimidated.

"When the bus came I asked for the ramp to be put down," he said.

"But the driver was a bit grumpy about it. He did put it down eventually but was rude to me and my friends.

"When I got on I just felt a bit embarrassed and intimidated."

Paul Lynch, managing director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said Mark is a valued customer who travels regularly with the operator and has done so for several years.

Mr Lynch also confirmed Mark's wheelchair is within the guidelines and is permitted on board its buses.

THE owner of one of Barnsley's best-loved restaurants has been nominated for a national award.

Miron Rahman, who runs Dodworth-based Dil Raj, has been named as a finalist in the Bangladeshi Businessman of the Year awards.

The 44-year-old will find out if he has won in Birmingham tonight.

A CARER accused of stealing around £5,493 from a stroke victim has been sent to Sheffield Crown Court.

Natalie Clough will make her first appearance on March 16.

The 28-year-old, from Worsbrough Dale, made no plea and was granted unconditional bail at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

A BRAVE soldier who lost his life fighting as a volunteer for the Kurdish people in Syria has been hailed as a hero by those who knew him in Barnsley.

Konstandinos Erik Scurfield, known as Kosta, died in combat last Monday in the Hasaka region of the war-torn country.

The 25-year-old - the first Briton to lose his life fighting Islamic State terrorists - is believed to have gone to Syria in December to fight alongside the Kurdish forces.

His death has sent shockwaves through his home village of Royston.

Neighbour David Miller said: "He was a very hard-working young man, a decent man. I was shocked to hear what happened. He is a local hero."

John McQuillan, from McQuillan Family Butchers, said he had no idea he was in Syria.

"It's such a shame," he added. "He was such a nice lad, he was a smashing kid."

POLICE in Barnsley have reassured the public that there is no evidence of any child abduction attempts in the town.

There has been continued speculation on Facebook regarding reports made to police about suspicious incidents.

A spokesperson told We Are Barnsley: "Four reports were made, each one has been thoroughly investigated and at this time there is no evidence to suggest that any offences had been committed or that they were linked in any way.

"Police have maintained contact with the people who made the reports and reassured them of our actions."

Anyone posting pictures of members of the public on social media claiming they have committed offences leave himself or herself liable to civil action for defamation of character.

The spokesperson added: "They must also consider the potential for vigilante action against innocent members of the public.

"If anyone has information about someone they believe may have committed any offences this needs to be shared with police, not the public through social media.

"Our enquiries are ongoing into this issue, including establishing the identity of the people in the picture posted on social media."

A CCTV image has been released following reports that a shop's staff were threatened with a gun in an attempted armed robbery.

Police are investigating following reports that the Londis Store on Church Street, Swinton, was targeted at 8.45pm on January 10.

It's believed that an unknown man entered the store with his face covered and threatened staff with a handgun before demanding cash from the till.

Officers believe that the man left the store empty-handed, after being challenged by a member of staff. It's believed he left in the direction of Highfield Road, Swinton.

If anyone has any information, please contact police on 101 quoting incident number 980 of January 10. Alternatively, to give information anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

BARNSLEY'S greatest treasure has been revealed after a long search.

Staff at the town's museums delved into their vast collections and then asked residents to vote for their favourite.

The winning entry is The Annals of Barnsley, written by John Hugh Burland. They're a chronological history of the town from 1744 to 1864, a time when so much was changing locally.

The five volumes contain over 1.5 million words and must have taken him many years to produce, working late into the night by candlelight.

He includes details of local occurrences, deaths, parties, trials, characters, buildings and much more. Much of the information was gained by talking to the local people and isn’t therefore replicated elsewhere.

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for place, said: "I'm delighted that the public have voted Burland’s work to be Barnsley's greatest treasure because they were created locally and contain so much history.

"Out of all the treasures they would also have taken the most time to create and required such dedication."

The Annals of Barnsley were donated to the library service in the 1890s and have been used by local historians ever since.

MANCHESTER United loanee Ben Pearson has extended his stay with Barnsley until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has been a key part of the Reds' resurgence since arriving on a short-term loan on January 8.

Their five-game winning streak, a run which has seen them go from hovering above the relegation zone to being on the brink of the play-offs, will be boosted by Pearson's loan extension.

He said: "We weren't consistent before but everyone's digging in and you're seeing that in the results.

"We've got just as good a chance as the teams around us of making the play-offs, if not better, because we have the momentum."

Colchester United's Jabo Ibehre and Cardiff City's Declan John have also joined the Reds on loan until the end of the League One campaign.

STUDENTS at a Barnsley school have been told they're not allowed to do anything for Red Nose Day - but they can still bring a pound in.

One Shafton ALC student, who asked not to be named for fear of getting in trouble, said a lot of pupils are upset that they can't get dressed up to raise money for Comic Relief.

The school became part of the Outwood Grange family of schools last year.

One pupil said: "We aren't allowed to wear red and red noses, badges and rubber wrist bands are also not allowed - it's only for a day, but they say it is a disruption to our learning."

The student explained that if someone breaks the rules regarding Red Nose Day, then they will be put in the 'consequences room'.

A school spokesman said that non-uniform days aren't allowed within the trust, which also oversees Carlton Community College, but there are other ways the school will be raising money.

"It's correct that we're not having a non uniform day. However, every VMG (Vertical Mentor Group - form group) is engaged in a different fundraising activity therefore promoting team work, resilience and creativity.

"We look forward to raising as much money as possible."

A BARNSLEY MP has been involved in a heated Twitter row with Jeremy Clarkson.

Michael Dugher, MP for Barnsley East, is Labour's shadow transport minister and described the Top Gear presenter by describing him as 'basically an idiot' who was 'not remotely representative of motorists'.

Clarkson replied on Twitter, saying: "Labour's transport spokesman says he doesn't like Top Gear. Good. We don't make it for people who wear pink ties."

Mr Dugher went on to say he hardly ever watched the hit BBC show, and described the Top Gear presenters as 'a bunch of old blokes wearing jeans and sports jackets'.

He said: "I was asked a straight question and, perhaps unusually for a politician, I gave a straight answer and said what I really thought."

NINE newly-built council homes have been completed in Barnsley.

One four-bed house, six three beds and two two beds on Saville Road, Gilroyd, are owned by Barnsley Council and managed by Berneslai Homes.

All the homes have been built to high standards, having air source heating systems and solar panels. Built by Saul Construction, the scheme employed four apprentices.

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for place, said: "We're delighted to see these new homes completed, ready for tenants to move in and enjoy.

"They're the kind of new homes we will continue to build in Barnsley as part of the council's new housing strategy."

Tenants are expected to move in shortly.

A PRISONER from Barnsley has been charged with the murder of a fellow inmate.

Kieron Simpson, 25, from Dodworth, was arrested following the death of a man at HMP Doncaster on March 1.

The victim, 43-year-old Robert Bryan, was allegedly assaulted inside the prison at around 6pm and died in hospital later that night.

A post-mortem examination concluded he died as a result of head injuries.

Simpson was remanded in custody and appeared at Doncaster Magistrates' Court last Monday. He was remanded in custody and will next appear at Sheffield Crown Court on March 16.

A MOTORIST had to be rescued after her car overturned on the M1 motorway on Sunday.

Fire crews had to cut the woman from the vehicle at around 10.30am having been alerted to the crash.

The woman was driving southbound between junction 36 and junction 35.

It's reported that the car span several times before it flipped over, trapping the woman inside.

The woman was rescued and taken to hospital.

A FIFTH win in a row moved Barnsley up to seventh in the League One standings.

Lee Johnson's side registered another win on Saturday, this time beating Walsall 3-0 at Oakwell.

In-form George Waring, the 20-year-old loanee from Stoke, continued his impressive goalscoring run and found the back of the net in both halves before Sam Winnall returned from a three-month lay-off to seal the points.

The win puts the Reds one place below the play-off places, but level on points with South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster who occupy the vital sixth place.

Barnsley, who now go back on the road for their next two games against Oldham and Leyton Orient, also have two crucial clashes against promotion contenders Preston and table-topping Bristol City.

Johnson said: "I'm delighted with the win - it's a really good three points for us given the fact it was our third game in a week.

"It wasn't the finished article and maybe 3-0 flattered us, but there was a nice atmosphere and it certainly gives the players and everyone else a boost."

Winnall, who made his comeback from injury and got on the score sheet, added: "It's my first goal in three months so it was a fantastic feeling.

"It's been a frustrating time for me so to get back and score straight away is phenomenal."

THOUSANDS of Barnsley pensioners are to be hit with a lower-than-expected state pension rise.

Michael Dugher, the MP for Barnsley East, has called for openness and honesty for pensioners after new figures showed 1,160 people in his constituency are set to receive a rise in the state pension of just 87p.

In December, the government announced the state pension would rise by £2.85 a week but in the following days ministers were forced to admit up to 1.6 million pensioners would see a rise of just 87p in their state pension income.

Michael said: "The government promised the state pension would rise by £2.85 in April next year but 1,160 pensioners in Barnsley East alone will receive a rise of just 87p.

"It’s time for the government to treat pensioners in Barnsley with respect and be upfront about the value of their pensions."

A DATE has been announced for this year's Mayor's Parade.

The flagship town centre event is now open to entries from all interested parties, with this year's 'Barnsley by the Sea' theme expected to get people's creative juices flowing.

It's taking place on Saturday July 11.

A spokesperson said: "The Mayor's Parade continues to provide an excellent opportunity to promote and raise awareness of what you do to Barnsley residents.

"This year's theme is there for you to embrace whilst parading your group, business or school through the town although it's not compulsory, so people wishing to participate without are very welcome."

If you'd like to find out more about entering a float, walking group or just want to take part, click here.

A BARNSLEY school sent a text message to parents warning them about a suspicious incident.

It's reported that the driver of a black BMW made a suggestive comment to a woman walking along High Street, Grimethorpe.

While the woman had a child in a pushchair with her, it's believed that the comment was aimed directly at the woman and not at the child.

She reported the matter to the local school, Milefield, who then alerted police and other parents.

DCI Deb Mahmood said: "We're aware that a text message was sent to parents of children at a Grimethorpe school informing them of the incident.

"Local officers are making enquiries into the matter. I\m satisfied at this time that this incident is not connected to any others. However, if anyone has any concerns please contact us."

Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity should call 101.