A £2MILLION plan to introduce traffic lights at a notoriously busy motorway junction is all set for approval.

The motorway junction at Dodworth has been recommended for approval by Barnsley Council to reduce congestion.

Council officers suggest development to the west of Barnsley is being constrained by existing traffic congestion at junction 37 of the M1.

The Department for Transport has pledged £1.4million for the project, with the £600,000 shortfall to be made up by a grant from the European Regional Development Fund or, if that bid fails, the council.

The scheme would be similar to the project at Birdwell, junction 36 of the M1, and involve lights being placed at all eight entrances and exits of the roundabout.

A BARNSLEY headteacher has dramatically stepped down from her post - just days after inspectors branded her school a 'failure'.

Sharon Mapplebeck's sudden departure after 11 years at The Edmunds Primary School came as a 'complete shock', parents said.

Despite Ofsted saying the Worsbrough school has nose-dived from 'good' in 2011 to 'inadequate', and requires special measures - Ofsted's worst category of failing school - parents insist Ms Mapplebeck had 'done wonders' there and praised her for being 'very committed' and 'going above and beyond' her duties.

Isaac Suomie, a former governor with a son at the school, said: "I'm so sorry to see her go, it's very sad. She's a very nice headteacher."

One mum said: "This is no way to end a career. We were only told on Tuesday that she's leaving and for it to come mid-term makes you wonder if she's been asked to step down."

Her departure comes a month after a visit by Ofsted inspectors whose report was sent to the school last week.

It was critical of the achievement of pupils and the quality of teaching as well as the school's leadership and management.

The inspectors also said the behaviour and safety of pupils 'requires improvement'.

A summary of Ofsted's findings was sent out to parents and carers last Tuesday, along with a letter from Ms Mapplebeck announcing she would be standing down as headteacher and leaving on the following Friday.

Ms Mapplebeck wrote: "It has been a huge pleasure and privilege to have been the headteacher of this school .

"It has been a long and eventful journey, but one which has been well worth the challenge.

"Now it is time for someone else to take up the challenge and lead the school forward into the future.

"Whoever takes on that responsibility will be lucky to have such amazing pupils and such a capable and committed staff."

The report says pupils' achievement is inadequate because too many are not making the progress they're capable of.

Attainment in reading, writing and mathematics is also 'too low' in key stage one and two.

Teaching was branded 'inadequate' with the report saying teachers do not have high enough expectation of what pupils can achieve.

It states: "The school's judgement on how well it is doing is not accurate and too generous.

"Senior leaders do not track pupils' progress closely enough to know how well they are doing. Leaders do not check the quality of teaching thoroughly enough.

"Since the last inspection pupils' progress and the quality of teaching have declined. School leaders have not done enough to reverse this decline."

It also blasted governors for not holding school leaders to account.

A council spokesman said it's working with staff and governors to address the areas of concern identified in the Ofsted inspection.

He added: "Following the decision by the headteacher Sharon Mapplebeck to stand down from her post, arrangements are being put in place to ensure the school is well-led and managed and has the capacity to bring about rapid and significant improvements in both the quality of provision and children's achievements.

"The council wish to thank Mrs Mapplebeck for her 11 years of dedicated service."

A BABY at the centre of a murder trial was covered in bruises, cuts and grazes when pathologists examined his body.

Pathologist Charles Wilson told Sheffield Crown Court he found skull fractures and 34 external injuries to Kadan Beaumont’s face, mouth, head, legs and arms in a post-mortem examination.

His father Michael Beaumont, 28, denies the 11-month-old’s murder.

Medical experts for the prosecution said their findings led them to conclude Kadan died as a result of impact trauma.

Mr Wilson said: "The fractures were caused by heavy impact to the left of his head.

"There was a large band of bruising over the scalp which could be the result of multiple impacts.

"It means that the infant’s scalp has impacted on something, or something has impacted on the infant’s scalp."

The defence says Beaumont's dog, Mia, had knocked Kadan over at his home in Chapel Street, Hoyland, prior to his death.

Kadan's mum Helen Barnes, 27, a teaching assistant, denies cruelty to a child by neglecting to seek medical assistance.

The trial continues.

DAVID Flitcroft was sacked on Saturday after the Reds' abysmal season continued.

Barnsley have won only twice in 17 league games and a 10th defeat, 3-0 at the hands of fellow strugglers Birmingham City, was one too many for the Oakwell board.

The defeat left Barnsley at the bottom of the table, six points from safety. It's their worst start to a season since 1973.

The home side did not help themselves as they played a hand in the visitors taking the lead.

Jean-Yves M'Voto did well to take the ball off Jesse Lingard, before giving it away to Paul Caddis, who shrugged off challenges from David Perkins and Paddy McCourt before to rifling in a 13th-minute shot.

City striker Nikola Zigic went down following an M'Voto challenge after a corner and referee Kevin Wright pointed to the spot.

Caddis then stepped up to send ex-Blues keeper Jack Butland the wrong way for a 2-0 lead after just 22 minutes.

Caddis also had a hand in the third goal when his misplaced pass was diverted into the path of Zigic by Jim O'Brien and the Birmingham forward dinked an effort over Butland.

Barnsley rarely mustered a goal threat as Birmingham wrapped the game up well before half-time.

A statement on the club's website said: "Barnsley Football Club can confirm first-team manager David Flitcroft has been relieved of his position at the football club.

"Technical coach Martin Scott and strength and conditioning coach Guy Proctor have also parted company with the club.

"Assistant manager Micky Mellon has been placed in caretaker charge of first-team affairs, assisted by development coach Paul Heckingbottom in the meantime.

"There will be no further statements from the club until Wednesday.

"The club would like to place on record their appreciation and thanks for what David, Martin and Guy have achieved."

Danny Wilson, Neil Redfearn and Michael Appleton have emerged as the initial favourites to take over from Flicker.

Barnsley head to Brighton in the Championship on Tuesday night. Was the sacking the best choice? Have your say below.

A MAN was knocked down by a bus near Barnsley Interchange.

Visitors to Gala Bingo on Pontefract Road said the bus hit a man on Schwabish Gmund Way on Thursday afternoon.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene and his injuries were unknown.

The bus was left with a shattered front windscreen.

BARNSLEY is the 16th most improved local authority out of 151 nationally for GCSE results this year.

It's on the back of this summer's results which saw a further five per cent improvement in those pupils gaining five A* to C grades, including English and mathematics.

The improvement also placed Barnsley as the most improved local authority across the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Education spokesman Cllr Tim Cheetham said: "Being one of the most improved local authorities in the country is a tribute to the dedication of our teachers.

"It's a just reward for the abilities and hard work of all our students and a key milestone on our journey to transform education in Barnsley.

"The investment the council has made in education will ultimately be judged by the impact it makes to children's achievements. On that basis I think it's fair to say we're heading in the right direction.

"The job is far from done, though. In reviewing our policy for school improvement we want to be sure that we maintain the drive to raise standards, improve quality and ensure all schools deliver the best they can for the young people of Barnsley."

A MAN who has denied two charges of assaulting a police officer will be tried at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

Jacek Kubisa, 33, of Windermere Road, Barnsley, who has also admitted possessing a stun gun, was granted unconditional bail.

Kubisa will make his first appearance on January 22.

A MAN was taken to hospital after being found injured in the town centre.

South Yorkshire Police were called to Peel Parade at around 6.40pm on November 24 to reports that a man had been injured.

A 40-year-old was taken to hospital and enquiries are continuing.

THIS volunteer's dedication to almost 40 years of athletics coaching has been recognised!

Janette Tomlins, 68, of Aldham House Lane, Wombwell, has received an award for services to volunteering from English Athletics.

Although her primary tasks are to pass on her expertise in sprinting, middle distance running and hurdling, Janette is also involved in administration and secretarial work for the Wombwell Sporting Athletics Club, which she has worked with since the late 1970s.

"The award is for the amount of time and for the length of time I've been involved and I've got no plans on giving it up yet," said Janette, who is also the president of Northern Athletics.

"I was a field judge at the Olympics and Paralympics last summer, mainly in the javelin, and I think I have achieved all that I want to."

Janette also once worked with hurdler Angie Thorp, who held the British 110m record for 15 years.

She says that children nowadays are harder to work with than they used to be.

"I work three nights a week in the summer and two in the winter and we also do sessions indoors," she added.

BARNSLEY Pals Centenary Square has been shortlisted for an award.

The object of the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Centenary Awards is to give public recognition to outstanding examples of civil engineering.

Awards are made for civil engineering projects with a regional dimension in recognition of achievement, excellence or innovation in civil engineering.

It recognises the best project of excellence in concept, design and execution, constructed within the region.

Barnsley Pals Centenary Square is the official name of the the Town Hall square and gardens, home to the incredibly popular Experience Barnsley museum as well as the very popular fountains with their colourful light display.

"I’m pleased that the Barnsley Pals Centenary Square has shortlisted for this award," said cabinet spokesman Cllr Roy Miller.

"It certainly brings a lot of pleasure to the many people I see making use of it and enjoying the wonderful fountains, but the design and engineering behind it is certainly deserving of recognition as well."

Engineers from the council will meet with a panel of judges in December to take part in a presentation, explaining why Barnsley Pals Centenary Square is deserving of recognition.

The results will be announced in early 2014.

What do you think to the square? Have your say below.

A WOMAN'S medical notes were not recorded properly at Barnsley Hospital before she bled to death - just 14 hours after routine back surgery.

Andrea Green, 42, of Newman Avenue, Carlton, died in March 2010 following the surgery during which the wrong disc was operated on and a artery was damaged.

The court heard how some observations should have been done every 15 minutes as Miss Green was recovering from the operation, and how a nurse carried out observations, but did not record them.

Former assistant director of nursing Rachel Cooper said it was 'good practice' to record such notes and that staff are trained to do so.

She said she would have expected a drop in Miss Green's blood pressure during surgery and some cause of indication to be noted.

Other observations carried out hourly after the operation were also not recorded.

The last observations of Miss Green were done at 10.40pm, and Ms Cooper told assistant coroner Siobhan Kelly how handovers should include information including drug charts, issues or observations, the stability of the patient and any surgical or clinical instructions.

An investigation by the hospital into the death of Miss Green, which Ms Cooper contributed towards, made recommendations for the improvement of notekeeping.

The report contained information about the error made by Mr Aly Ismaiel, the orthopaedic surgeon who performed the surgery, the artery damage, and the fact that vital information such as Miss Green's blood pressure drop, raised heart rate and haemoglobin levels were not passed on.

A total of 21 recommendations were made, mainly to do with completing necessary documentation, and Ms Cooper said steps had been taken to make sure observations were recorded and noted.

The inquest continues.

THE Reds have signed Marcus Tudgay on loan until January 3.

The striker joins from fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest.

The 30-year-old had a stint on loan at Oakwell last term, making nine appearances and scoring three goals.

"I jumped at the chance to come back," he said. "They’re a great set of lads here.

"I always say that given the opportunity, I will score goals. If I can come here, score one or two goals and help the team then that’ll be good."

The forward began his career with Derby County before joining Sheffield Wednesday for a successful spell from 2006 - going on to score 51 goals for the Owls.

THIRTY empty homes will be brought back into use to increase the supply of affordable housing in Barnsley.

Up to £2million from Berneslai Homes’ 2013/14 surplus budget will be used to support the council’s ongoing empty homes programme.

If agreed by cabinet on December 4, other housing-related activity to increase the supply of affordable homes will commence.

The 30 properties will be let as council housing, helping to meet the borough’s affordable housing need.

Cllr Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson, said: "These schemes will help to ensure that best use is made of the existing housing stock in the borough as well as assisting with an element of new-build activity to meet a range of housing needs.

"Taken together, they will contribute to the delivery of the council’s economic strategy and the emergent housing strategy."

A PENSIONER says something must be done about the stench of urine emanating from a private car park close to the bus station.

Michael Scott, 67, says he only walked past the entrance to the car park, off Midland Street at the back of the shops on Eldon Street, when the smell hit him.

Mr Scott, of Shelley Drive, Monk Bretton, wants action to get rid of the smell because he's worried it's one of the first things to greet visitors leaving the lower entrance of Barnsley Interchange to go into town.

Mr Scott said it doesn't give a good impression of the town, particularly at a time when Barnsley is trying to attract more shoppers into the centre.

Mr Scott said: "I was walking along and going up the street and I saw an old friend of mine near the car park and stopped to talk to him. We couldn't catch our breath.

"The smell of urine was overwhelming and I could have collapsed with the smell of it. It was disgusting.

"Some pressure needs putting on the council to do something about it.

"I've suggested get some temporary toilet blocks in there or putting a police officer there.

"We want people to come in to Barnsley but if they get off the trains and buses and walk into town this way, they're greeted with this stench.

"I've been in touch with the council and they've said environmental services know about it and it's an ongoing problem."

Cllr Roy Miller, cabinet spokesman, thanked Mr Scott for bringing the matter to the council's attention.

"The car park in question is private land and not under the control of the council," he said.

"However, we're working with colleagues in enforcement to have the area cleaned and secured by the landlord responsible."

A BARNSLEY woman who pocketed around £1,000 in exchange for information about Prince William and Prince Harry has been spared jail.

Tracey Bell, a pharmacist's assistant who worked at Sandhurst military college, received the money after leaking details to a tabloid newspaper.

Military bosses suspected the 35-year-old of the leaks after stories based on classified information appeared in the press.

Bell, from Goldthorpe, pleaded guilty to one charge of committing misconduct in a public office.

Sentencing Bell to a nine-month jail term, suspended for two years, Mr Justice Saunders said: "Not only was selling the information a breach of her duty as a public official, but also a breach as a medical professional."

Defending Bell, Japinder Singh said his client ‘showed remorse’ and had got her life back on track.

He added: "This whole experience has had a significant effect on her. There are no indications of her committing further offences."

MOBILE speed cameras will operate on the following roads from Monday.

A61 Park Road, Barnsley

A628 Cundy Cross to Shafton Two Gates

A633 Rotherham Road, Athersley South

A633 Rotherham Road, Monk Bretton

B6411 Houghton Road, Thurnscoe

Brierley Road, Grimethorpe

Pogmoor Road, Barnsley

A6023 Doncaster Road, Mexborough

A6022 Rowms Lane, Swinton

A633 Sandygate, Wath-upon-Dearne

B6097 Doncaster Road, Wath-upon-Dearne

Melton Green, West Melton.

A NEW helicopter landing pad could be created to allow a specialist team of doctors and nurses to offer around the clock transport service to critically ill babies and children.

The Sheffield Children's Hospital Embrace Team has applied to the council for the construction of the helipad next to the Embrace Centre at Capitol Park, Dodworth, at the side of the M1.

The application said the use of an air ambulance helicopter will enable the team to move specialist medical teams and equipment quickly to the sickest patients throughout Yorkshire and Humber.

It will also allow the transfer of patients who require care in another hospital in a quick and efficient manner while providing medical stabilisation of the patient during the journey.

The proposal is the construction a new 25x25 metre helipad on a vacant plot, and create a pathway from the Embrace Centre to it.

Access will be via the main park entrance.

A WOMAN took her father's car and drove it into a ditch after having ten pints, a bottle of wine and taking MCAT.

Emma Smith, 25, could not remember taking the Toyota Celica when quizzed later, said Chantel Lowery-Green, prosecuting at Barnsley Magistrates' Court.

She said Smith, of Middlecliffe Lane, Little Houghton, was found in a 'distressed' state after the accident.

Alan Greaves, defending, said he would put Smith's side of the story when she is sentenced on December 12.

Smith admitted drink driving, taking a car without the owner's consent and breaching a 12-month conditional discharge imposed for being drunk and disorderly.

POLICE in Barnsley honoured the work of its officers and staff at the district’s annual awards ceremony. Here's a list of the winners!

Ten awards were given during the event at Barnsley Town Hall, which was attended by South Yorkshire Police chief constable David Crompton, crime commissioner,Shaun Wright and the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Ken Richardson.

Chief superintendent Andy Brooke hosted the awards as well as giving his District Commander’s commendations to other deserving winners.

He said: "As the local police commander, I'm very much aware of the excellent work that takes place by my officers and staff on a day-to-day basis in making Barnsley a safe place.

"Crime is down again this year and this is due to hard work by a lot of people. The awards presented are in recognition of particular commitment in protecting and supporting our communities.

"I'm proud of what my officers do. These are very worthy recipients."

Crime commissioner Shaun Wright said: "I would like to offer my congratulations to all of the award winners.

"I know that every police officer and member of police staff within Barnsley and South Yorkshire work exceptionally hard to ensure that the area is a safer place."

In addition to the main awards, Andy Brooke received an unexpected Outstanding Leadership Award at the end of the ceremony.

Below is a list of the winners:

Crawford Roebuck Trophy for top contributing police officer. Winner: PC Ryan Griffiths

PC Griffiths has shown a relentless commitment to front-line policing, demonstrating a reputation of leading from the front.

While driving home from a shift, he arrested a burglar who was subsequently charged with a string of offences and remanded in custody.

Over the last two years, PC Griffiths has helped to seize drugs to a street value of £1.5million and has been involved in the arrest of 218 prisoners for a wide variety of crimes.

Police Community Support Officer of the Year.

Winner: PCSO Claire Banks, Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team

PCSO Banks has covered the Monk Bretton and Carlton areas for the last eight years.

She is hard working, self-motivated, extremely enthusiastic and highly regarded by the communities she serves.

PCSO Banks took responsibility for two new construction sites in her area, which were suffering anti-social behaviour and theft, and a local operation led to the arrest of a prolific offender who was charged to court.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Officer of the Year.

Winner: PC Jayne Morriss, Dearne Safer Neighbourhood Team

PC Morriss is highly regarded by residents, business owners and partners as someone committed to improving the local community in the Dearne.

In response to complaints of street drinking, she worked extremely hard to obtain a Prohibition of Alcohol order in parts of Goldthorpe and linked with partners to educate young people about the adverse effects of drinking alcohol.

PC Morriss was also successful in obtaining one of the district’s first drugs closure orders after an in‑depth operation.

Don Betton Award for the top probationer constable. Winner: PC Matthew Barnes

PC Barnes has shown outstanding commitment and enthusiasm to learn and develop as a police officer.

He attended a disturbance involving over 50 people where another officer was being attacked and, without hesitation, drew his baton to protect his colleague and made a number of arrests.

In another incident, a group of four people were involved in a violent confrontation and again, without hesitation, PC Barnes intervened and attempted to prevent further injury.

A female officer attending was assaulted. However, he remained calm and restrained her attacker.

Leaders in Action Outstanding Achievement Award. Winner: Police Sergeant Darren Taylor, Anti-Social Behaviour Unit

Sergeant Taylor has given a significant amount of duty and his own time supporting and developing the Special Constabulary in Barnsley.

He instigated the partnership and police Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, which last year achieved a 21 per cent reduction in the issue and so far this year has seen a further seven per cent reduction.

Sergeant Taylor is highly regarded by partners and his work as district lead for mental health-related issues has contributed to effective management of this high demand area for police.

Bravery Award. Winner: PC Chris Foster

PC Foster was on duty alone at 1.33am on January 21, 2013, when police received a report of a man being attacked with a baseball bat.

The weather conditions were extremely hazardous with constant snowfall for about six hours but PC Foster volunteered to attend.

On arrival and without any hesitation, he confronted the attacker and was threatened with a firearm, which, unknown at time, was an imitation shotgun.

PC Foster’s PAVA spray failed to deploy and a violent struggle took place until other officers arrived and the offender was restrained.

PC Foster’s actions led to the offender receiving a three-year prison sentence.

Continuous Improvement Award. Winner: PC Paul Jameson, Hoyland Safer Neighbourhood Team

PC Jameson conducts his duties as a volunteer wildlife crime officer with enthusiasm and commitment, managing incidents from poaching and badger baiting to animal cruelty, on top of an already busy workload.

He was instrumental in setting up the South Yorkshire Police Rural Watch, which is due to be launched in early 2014, and is the only dog legislation officer in the district.

He also instigated a Worship Watch scheme across Barnsley visiting and engaging with places of worship after an increase in metal theft incidents.

Manager of the Year. Winner: Mary Verity, Business Manager

Mary has worked under tremendous pressure to provide an excellent quality of service to both the Rotherham and Barnsley districts.

This has been extremely challenging given the number of force savings requirements.

Mary has developed effective accommodation plans, which address current and future demands, and she has worked with partners to maximise opportunities for co-location.

THERE are fears plans for a supermarket on a former school site could be shelved.

Kier Property Developments was granted permission in March for a supermarket, petrol station, health centre and more than 140 houses on the former Royston High School site - in spite of 300 letters of objection.

Although building work has started on the houses, the health centre has been dropped from the development.

Now it's rumoured the supermarket plan is also about to be abandoned - with the possibility that could lead to even more new houses on the site.

Cllr Tim Cheetham said: "At the time of the application we were told there was great interest from a supermarket chain - but now we're hearing that no supermarket wants to know."

A COUPLE have vowed to carry on fundraising for cystic fibrosis sufferers after their son died, aged just 26, from the disease.

Michael Blackett died on October 12 - just a few weeks before his parents organised a fundraising night at Elsecar Cricket Club.

He leaves a 17-month-old son, Corey-George.

Michael had been waiting for a lung transplant for 16 months but became too ill for the surgery, even if a donor had become available.

His mum Andrea, of Church Street, Elsecar, said it was the third time that Michael had hoped to have the transplant but things had gone wrong on each occasion.

"It was heartbreaking," she said. "We think the new lungs would have given him another ten years of life. I think of that every time I look at Corey-George."

Michael was diagnosed with the disease when he was two.

His mum Andrea, 52, said: "He looked like a famine child, with a bloated belly, and we learned later that cystic fibrosis means the body cannot absorb fat.

"The enzymes that you and I have got do not work in someone with the illness."

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, which affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines. It's a terminal disease and patients have to take large amounts of medication and have physiotherapy to clear their lungs - often several times a day.

Andrea added: "He had to have what we called his 'breakfast cocktail' of 27 tablets and towards the end he was on more than 100 tablets."

He also had three nebulisers, breathing masks, intravenous drugs and had to use a wheelchair.

His dad Neil, 54, even 'invented' a special rack for the chair so Michael could carry both oxygen and a ventilator, giving him more freedom.

Michael showed astonishing determination to have as normal a life as possible. Cystic fibrosis makes men infertile but he went on to marry his girlfriend Lyndsay and had Corey-George through IVF treatment.

Neil said: "Cystic fibrosis is the fastest growing genetic disease, yet many people know nothing about it.

"Michael would have wanted us to support all the people who helped him at the unit, especially his physio Charlotte Rose."

A WANTED Barnsley man who has evaded police since the summer has been caught and returned to jail.

Joe Haigh, 26, from Thurnscoe, has been wanted by South Yorkshire Police on a recall to prison since July 19 after breaching the conditions of his licence.

He was spotted by local Police Community Support Officers on Monday afternoon and later tracked down by a police dog and his handler.

Haigh, arrested at Goldthorpe, has now been returned to prison to serve the rest of his sentence for burglary.

TWO people were arrested, cannabis worth thousands of pounds was seized and 120 households were found to have no TV licence on a clampdown day in Barnsley.

Police and council enforcement officers swept through Darfield on November 19 to combat anti-social behaviour.

Staff from the DVLA were also on hand to clamp cars without road tax and five were stopped for driving offences including speeding and the use of a mobile phone.

Sgt Phil Jenkins said: "The message was to go out and meet the community. We had different agencies working and it's important for the community to know that we're there."

Officers from Berneslai Homes also visited tenants to remind them of the terms of their agreement to discourage anti-social behaviour.

With fewer officers, there has been concerns that a lack of a police presence is seen as an encouragement of crime.

Another aspect of the operation was to gather intelligence so police can pinpoint the problem areas and target them in future.

"I'd say that 95 per cent of the people were helpful and it's about people telling us the areas that need looking at," Sgt Jenkins added.

"We try to have a presence but we're not able to be out as much as we would like. When we pool our resources like this we can be effective."

WOMBWELL's Christmas lights are to be switched on at the Christmas gala on Saturday!

The event is organised by Wombwell's High Street Committee and its members.

Among the attractions this year will be a Punch and Judy show, a fairground and Santa's Grotto.

Entrance into Santa's Grotto is £3 and children will be given a selection box, a colouring book and a flash light.

The event starts at 10am with the big switch-on at 4.30pm, followed by a fireworks display.

THE town centre improvement project is set to be expanded to include an area of Market Hill and the east side of Church Street.

The already approved Urban Centre Infrastructure (UCI) project will enhance almost 11,000 square metres on Eldon Street, Regent Street South, Hanson Street, Royal Street, Regent Street and Eastgate.

This includes paving in natural materials (York stone and granite) and new lighting and street furniture.

The project has been worked up to the detailed design stage and was subject to full public and stakeholder consultation.

It will go ahead if agreed by cabinet at their next meeting on Wednesday, December 4.

Cllr Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson, said: "The consultation with the public and business users has been very positive and the aim is that access to all premises in both areas will be maintained throughout the duration of the project."

The report seeks additional match funding of £0.322million which will be required to secure the additional grant of £0.188million from the European Regional Development Fund to enable the project expansion to be completed.

The UCI project is ready to be tendered with an anticipated start on site in March 2014 and will take approximately 13 months to complete.

Barnsley Council has secured £1.092million from the European Regional Development Fund.

A BARNSLEY man is appealing for volunteers to help the town's homeless this Christmas.

Adie Flute, 40, of Old School Court, Barugh Green, read about The Rucksack Project and decided to help out in his hometown.

Founded in 2009 by Mathew White in Bristol, the scheme has flourished giving the less fortunate some much-needed help through the harsh winter months.

Adie said: "I'm hoping to gather willing volunteers to help here in Barnsley.

"It's not about sponsorship or collecting money, it's about giving up a bit of time and energy to directly help others who are sleeping rough on our streets.

"I've been in touch with the council and would love people and businesses to get involved."

It's hoped that people will donate items to fill rucksacks filled with things such as sleeping bags, coats, hats, gloves, socks and underwear. Flasks with soup and tins with ring pulls on are also being asked for.

Founder Mathew was inspired to start the project after witnessing people fretting about unimportant issues.

"It's meant to be the season of goodwill," he said. "I felt like we lost the meaning of Christmas, so I did something that was so simple to make a difference to people's lives."

Having approached local charity shops and explained his cause, slowly but surely kind-hearted people came out to donate and Mathew took the donations to Steve, a homeless man on Bristol's streets.

"Words can't express how grateful they were," he added. "That's the best present I could have given anyone at Christmas."

To help out with this worthy cause, comment below or email Adie by clicking here.

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after four people were taken to hospital and a man was arrested after a car smashed into a building.

The crash happened at around 4.15am on November 23 when a silver Honda Civic mounted the kerb on Wath Road, Mexborough, before hitting a building.

A 29-year-old woman suffered serious injuries in the collision, while a 21-year-old woman and two men aged 25 and 29 needed hospital treatment for minor injuries.

The 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting incident number 205 of November 23.

IT has happened again! Another school is celebrating after being given a glowing Ofsted inspection!

Burton Road Primary was visited by school inspectors who graded the school as 'good'.

They found the majority of teaching was good and that as a result, from below expected starting points, pupils achieve well to reach standards that are above average at the end of year six.

The report said: "Some teaching is particularly effective in the way teachers guide pupils to be confident learners in lessons.

"The very clear steps for success ensure individuals know how to produce good work and can check how well they are doing."

Pupils' books are regularly marked by teachers who provide useful feedback about how to improve their work. Pupils are given time in lessons to reflect on their learning.

They're well-behaved in lessons, on corridors and in the playground and are enthusiastic about their learning and activities offered by the school.

The headteacher and senior leaders and governors are quick to identify issues when they arise, produce detailed plans and take swift action.

Staff morale is high and they're committed to making the school an 'outstanding' one.

BARNSLEY Football Club would consider selling Oakwell's naming rights if the price was right.

Chief executive Ben Mansford admitted the club would 'probably' accept an offer like the one Derby County recently took.

Fellow Championship side Derby are set to pocket £7million over ten years after agreeing to rename Pride Park the iPro Stadium.

Mansford, speaking at the Reds On Tour event at The Courthouse pub on November 13, said: "Oakwell will always be Oakwell, but if the money was right we'd probably accept such an offer."

Mansford, who was joined at the town centre pub by Peter Ramage, Tomasz Cwyka and physio Craig Sedgwick, also revealed plans for further ticket initiatives.

What do you think to this? Would you be in favour of a lucrative deal to change Oakwell's name? Have your say below.

BARNSLEY has a world champion! Gymnast Eleanor Simpson, from Royston, saw off top opposition at the World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, on November 16.

The 13-year-old qualified fifth in the heats but took gold in the final, becoming only the second person under 14 years of age to complete a 'double twisting double back somersault' in the World Championships.

"When I made it through to the final I knew I had a chance," said Eleanor.

"I have worked so hard since the last World Championships in 2011 when I finished ninth so this feels like a reward for my hard work."

Dad Mark said: "When the final standings came through and we saw that Eleanor was the world champion tears of joy and celebrations began.

"Seeing Eleanor sing the national anthem with great gusto was one of the proudest moments of my life."

A BARNSLEY MP has criticised the government after it was revealed that there was a 29 per cent increase in winter deaths last year.

Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley Central, said: "It’s a national disgrace that so many people are dying each year because they're too scared to turn on the heating.

"The situation has got increasingly worse, as these shocking statistics illustrate. David Cameron has done nothing since I raised this with him - apart from fail to stand up to the energy companies."

An estimated 31,100 excess winter deaths occurred in 2012/13 - a sharp increase on the previous winter.

The Office for National Statistics data, which compares deaths in winter months with averages in other seasons, shows most of the deaths involved people over 75.

Mr Jarvis added: "This year many people will have to choose between heating and eating. Ministers need to take urgent action and back Labour’s plans to freeze energy bills.

"For some time now, I have been urging all the key agencies and organisations in Barnsley to work together on this important issue. I was heartened when last month Barnsley Council held a Winter Summit, bringing everyone together to produce a co-ordinated solution. 

"We shall soon see the publication of the council’s strategy for dealing with excess winter deaths in Barnsley - and I look forward to working with them on this vital issue."

MONEY, laptops, iPods and sat navs were all found on display in cars by police on Tuesday - as well as many vehicles which were left unlocked.

The day of action was held as part of South Yorkshire Police's Operation Lockdown, which aims to combat car crime and educate motorists on the perils of leaving their valuables on show to would-be thieves.

A number of car parks were visited to check for vulnerable vehicles as well as offer crime prevention advice to the public.

DCI Chris Singleton said: "Police are working tirelessly to help combat vehicle crime, but we cannot tackle this issue on our own.

"A significant number of crimes can be avoided if motorists take some simple preventative measures to secure their car and keep items out of view."

Launched at the start of October, the operation has been a success with over 20 arrests in Barnsley alone.

The public can now track on a daily basis where vehicle crime has happened by clicking here.

IF you missed out on the town centre's Christmas lights switch-on do not worry, there are still plenty of other places to go in Barnsley! Here's your WAB Guide to where the lights are being switched on.

There will be a number of events taking place over the next few weeks across the borough to help spread a little festive spirit and mark the count down to Christmas.

The events will be fun for all the family with face painting, Christmas music and even a visit from the man himself, Santa.

- Wombwell's Christmas lights are to be switched on at the Christmas gala on Saturday, November 30. The event starts at 10am with the big switch on at 4.30pm and will be followed by a fireworks display.

- The Darton West Christmas Extravaganza, Church Street, Darton, on Thursday, December 5, from 5pm to 8pm.

- The Darton East Christmas lights switch-on at the Safer Neighbourhood Team Building, Blacker Road, Mappewell, on Friday, December 6 at 5.30pm.

There will also be a number of events taking place in St Helen’s ward. The ‘Christmas Cracker’ events will take place at:

- New Lodge Community Centre on Tuesday, December 10 starting at 5.30pm.

- Athersley North Unit, Lindhurst Road on Wednesday, December 11 at 5.30pm.

- St Helen’s Church, Laithes Lane, on Friday, December 13 at 5.30pm.

A POLISH cage fighter has been fined £200 - after being found living in his car.

Adrian Pociecha, 35, had to be kept in police cells overnight after being found in a Volkswagen in Wombwell.

Jayne Ormrod, prosecuting, told Barnsley Magistrates' Court Pociecha had no insurance, held a provisional UK driving licence and was in the car unsupervised.

Pociecha, who was not represented by a solicitor, said he was living in his car because he had no friends he could stay with.

He said he earned about £200 every time he fought.

Pociecha admitted having no insurance and driving otherwise in accordance with a licence.

He was freed from custody and was warned even parking the car at the side of the road without insurance would lead to him appearing in court again.

Pociecha, of no fixed address, was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

A BURGLAR has been jailed for three years after admitting breaking into a house and stealing a family’s BMW - which later rammed into a police car.

Mark Corbett, 30, of Probert Avenue, Goldthorpe, burgled a home in Ambleside Crescent, Sprotbrough, Doncaster, during the early hours of October 30, stealing the keys and the car.

As he fled with an accomplice at the wheel, the stolen vehicle rammed a police patrol car driven by PC Paul Greaves.

Corbett pleaded guilty to burglary and aggravated taking without authority, and asked for a further eight offences to be taken into consideration - five attempted house burglaries and three thefts from vehicles, all in Sprotbrough on the same night.

Judge Robert Moore said: "Barely a week goes by without news of a house burglary with people targeted for their cars.

"There will always be substantial custody because they're so serious. You're a serial taker of other people’s cars."

WAITROSE and Marks and Spencer are just two of the big-name stores that are set to provide stock to Britain's first 'social supermarket'.

The store, which is opening in Goldthorpe next month, will enable shoppers to buy cut-price food and luxuries that would otherwise be thrown away by big retailers.

The idea has been developed by Company Shop and its chairman John Marren.

It expects its prices to be around 70 per cent cheaper than those found on normal shop shelves and will only be open to people on certain welfare benefits.

Items on sale will range from fresh fruit, meat and vegetables to tinned goods, cheeses and toiletries.

Goldthorpe was chosen as the location for the first, in what is scheduled to be a whole chain of community shops, because it's an area of high deprivation.

Sarah Dunwell, who is the spokesperson for Community Shop, the social enterprise project based at Tankersley, said the shop would not be stocked with basic ‘austerity’ lines.

"We will have staples such as sugar, pasta and rice but also more expensive goods such as French cheeses, ready-made lasagne and desserts and household products," she said.

"It takes items that will not make it to supermarket shelves and uses it to feed people who need it most."

As well as cut-price food the Goldthorpe shop will also offer budget and debt advice, cookery lessons and employability, skills training and volunteering opportunities.

Entry will be restricted to those with membership cards, which will be given only to families who are claiming certain benefits. 

Leaflets publicising the scheme have already been delivered to homes in Goldthorpe. Initially 500 families will be selected to join the scheme for six months.