ONE of the best-known characters on the town centre's streets has been fined £50 for something which happened in 10 seconds.

Dean Saunders, 42, who has been effectively homeless for more than a decade, was spoken to by police because he was among a group of people drinking in a zone where it is banned, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

A can of lager had been thrust into his hand as he walked past the group, according to his solicitor Philip Stables.

Mr Stables added: "Mr Saunders was the only person the police spoke to. He poured the lager away, walked off, there was an exchange of words and he was arrested.

"One wonders why this matter has ended up in court when there are other ways that it could have been dealt with. This was a minor incident which was over in 10 seconds.

"Mr Saunders, who is well known in the town centre and has been effectively homeless for 10 years, was put in emergency accommodation two weeks ago.

"He has been on bail with a condition that he does not go in the town centre between 9am and 5pm. That was a massive restriction on his liberty."

Christopher Knowles, prosecuting, said Saunders asked a police officer as he poured the drink away: "Are you f***ing happy now?"

Mr Knowles said some old folk in earshot were 'disgusted' by the remarks. He said Saunders uttered a stream of expletives as he walked off.

Saunders, of Calder Avenue, Royston, admitted using threatening words and behaviour. He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £20 victim surcharge.

A CHARITY Christmas single recorded by the Barnsley Youth Choir will get its first play on WAB Radio on Monday.

The double A-side CD, featuring 'O Holy Night', will have its debut during the drive time show at 5pm.

Also featuring 'Winter Wonderland', this track will be played on the Dearne FM breakfast show from 7.30am.

All profits from the single, which goes on sale next Friday, will be donated to the Barnsley Hospice.

The CD will cost £2 and will be available at the Chronicle's reception on Church Street, Horizon Community College, Barnsley Hospice shops and via the Barnsley Youth Choir website.

The choir has also launched a social media campaign that aims to get people changing their Facebook profile and cover photos to support the CD.

A MISSING banner which was used by Barnsley women during the miners’ strike has been found - after spending 29 years in a woman's loft!

The Women Against Pit Closures (WAPC) banner turned up thanks to an event held by Experience Barnsley.

Many people attended the event, which was held on November 2, and eight former WAPC members were interviewed by the Experience Barnsley Youth Panel.

Gwen White from Carlton brought along a surprise for the museum's team - a bright red banner, emblazoned with 'Barnsley Women Against Pit Closures 1984 to 1985'.

The hand-painted banner shows a group of Barnsley women stood in front of a pit head silhouette.

It was thought that the banner had gone missing but has spent the past 29 years stored safely in Gwen's loft! 

The Women Against Pit Closures movement started in Barnsley and spread all over the country. Many women were involved in campaigning on the picket lines, running soup kitchens and looking after their families.

Anyone who has any other memories, photographs or banners from the era is asked to contact Jemma Conway on 01226 787771.

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 CONTROVERSIAL £32,000 clock which sparked outrage when it was unveiled is unlikely to ever work again.

The glass-panelled clock was installed on the Hanson Street side of the Civic building five years ago, dividing opinion between those who loved its modern design and those who struggled to tell the time with it and thought it was a waste of money.

The Civic's chief executive Helen Ball, who was appointed earlier this year, wanted to get it working but efforts to get the 40-metre wide electronic device ticking again have proved unsuccessful.

She said they have been in touch with both the company who installed the clock and another specialist clock maker, but neither are able to repair the clock due to it being a one off design.

"Neither the installation company nor the trust have been able to contact the original designer," she said.

"The installation company has offered to replace the clock with an alternative at a minimum cost of £15,000."

But she said Barnsley Civic Enterprise Ltd, the trading name for the Civic, doesn't have the money for a replacement and is instead focusing on developing its new business plan, income generation and finding a new tenant for its café.

The clock was created on glass panels and features 24,500 tiny bulbs supposed to light up to form red lines representing the hands of a clock.

When functioning there was a long line for minutes, a shorter line for hours and a red dot for seconds.

The designer, Bristol-based artist Walter Jack, whose idea was chosen by a panel with representatives from Barnsley Council, building users, the Arts Council and a firm of architects, claimed it was 'easy' to tell the time.

What do you think to the clock? Would you like to see it working again? Have your say below.

A BARNSLEY man who was jailed for five years for cannabis cultivation has had his sentence reduced.

Mark Smith, of Town End, was jailed at Sheffield Crown Court after being convicted of conspiracy to produce cannabis in April.

However, he challenged the length of the sentence imposed and has had it reduced by a year.

The 27-year-old, who owned several buy-to-let properties, used three houses for cultivating cannabis while maintaining a facade of good citizenship by setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme on the estate where he lived.

The Court of Appeal heard that, as well as his own house, Smith owned three other properties, one of which, in Wakefield Road, was 'wholly given over to the production of cannabis'.

Police found £116,000 worth of the drug drying in the house, while smaller amounts were uncovered in his other two properties.

Mrs Justice Swift said: "He and his partner were responsible for setting up the Neighbourhood Watch scheme on the estate where he lived.

"His references contrast starkly with the criminal conduct he committed. This was a cannabis factory with sophisticated hydroponics systems.

"His crimes were aggravated by the fact he told police the house was let to a man who turned out to be fictitious."

A NEW £2million stroke unit will open in Barnsley on November 13.

The unit, at Kendray Hospital, gives stroke patients the best possible surroundings for recovery and rehabilitation.

Provided by South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, it recently relocated from Mount Vernon Hospital to the new location at Kendray.

Its state of the art design means that each of the unit's 16 bedrooms now have overhead hoists to support patients moving around their room, while en-suite bathrooms in each of the bedrooms increase privacy and dignity.

The official opening will be attended by ayor of Barnsley Ken Richardson and his wife, Nadia, who will be given a tour of the unit and shown how the new facilities will further improve the care offered to stroke patients from the Barnsley borough.

Mandy Black, unit manager said, "The new facilities are a real benefit to people in Barnsley and show that we're investing in the best possible treatment and care for people in the local area.

"The unit has its own dedicated rehabilitation team who have specialist knowledge and training in therapeutic interventions, rehabilitation and treating patients who have suffered a stroke."

MAYOR of Barnsley Ken Richardson has two loves in his life.

Of course, the first is his wife and mayoress, Nadia, but the second is his Yamaha Fazer 600 motorbike.

Ken bought it new in 2007 and even rides it to the Town Hall when it's sunny.

"I love the freedom," he said. "You can just hop on it and, if you drive sensibly, you're not held down by the traffic. I love heading off into the hills.

"Nadia goes on the back, she loves it. We like going up to Dunford Bridge with a picnic on a nice day."

He got his first bike when he was 16 and has owned lots since, including several Hondas, a few Yamahas and a Suzuki.

But his favourite is the one he currently owns.

"It's like a rocket and supposedly does 130mph, but I've never been that fast. I have a helmet, because it's the law, and used to have a leather jacket - but it doesn't fit me anymore."

FIVE generations of a family gathered to celebrate the 21st birthday of a mother, daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter!

Bethany Hill, of Stonyford Road, celebrated her big day at The Horseshoe on October 29 - five weeks after giving birth to son Alfie Saunders.

She was joined by mum Lesley Dyson, 44, of Dawns Avenue, grandma Jacqueline Adawly, 67, of Spring Walk, as well as great-granddad and former Wombwell sergeant Donald Smith, 92, who now lives in Silsden, near Keighley.

Donald had recently returned home after a short spell in hospital and Lesley said it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with all five generations of the family present.

FAMILIES, workers and even pensioners are turning to a project originally set up to help feed the homeless and those with drug and alcohol problems.

The Barnsley Churches Drugs Project runs a drop-in centre on John Street whose 40 volunteers provides clothing, bedding and hot food to those in need three times a week.

Kate Raynor, 30, is vice-chairman of the project, which was set up in 2002 to support the homeless and people with drug and alcohol addictions.

She said following benefit and welfare reforms, the drop-in centre now encompasses those in poverty as well.

"In the last 12 months we've seen a lot more young people, young families and those who are working and struggling to make ends meet," she said.

"I speak to people who have been made redundant, or who are working and struggling to pay their bills.

"I've spoken to a couple of pensioners who are unable to afford their energy bills and coming to us for a meal helps them to save the cost of the energy as well as the food.

"I think part of it is on the back of the welfare reforms. From April, when the changes came in, we knew it would take a while for the knock-on effect and now it's building.

"To see pensioners coming is very sad. Society is very fragmented now and people are very isolated, so as well as struggling financially we may be the only people they speak to in the week, so for them it's about the company as well.

"Every week we talk to people who are sleeping on the streets and if they are we give them a coat or a sleeping bag."

She said sometimes people can be quick to judge those using the centre but as a volunteer she spends time listening to people's personal circumstances.

"In 21st century Britain no-one should be relying on charity to get a warm meal and quite a lot of people are saying they wouldn't have eaten if it wasn't for us."

A LAW should be introduced to treat witnesses and victims of crime with the 'dignity and respect' they deserve, according to Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis.

In response to the government's Victims' Code consultation, Mr Jarvis said committing to a victim's law would be the only way to put victims first.

The consultation sets out reforms to give victims clearer entitlements from criminal justice agencies.

But Mr Jarvis said: "Only by enshrining clear enforceable rights in an Act of Parliament will our criminal justice system treat victims and witnesses with the proper dignity and respect they deserve."

He said Labour would legislate for the introduction of a victim's law to ensure that would provide cultural change across the criminal justice system.

A BARNSLEY man is preparing to run a staggering 863 miles in just nine days to raise money for the town's hospice.

Gavin Felton, from Monk Bretton, will run from Lands End to John O'Groats and is chasing the Guinness World Record time of nine days, two hours and 21 minutes.

April 12 will see Gavin set off on his arduous journey after over two years in training.

Gavin, who is used to intense training having served in the army for 23 years, chose to run and raise funds for Barnsley Hospice as family members have been treated there.

"Barnsley Hospice is obviously a charity that is very close to my heart," he said. "It always amazes me that hospices remain charities and rely so heavily on fundraising because of all the good work they do."

The 44-year-old's herculean task will be tough but he's mentally and physically prepared for what's to come, having recently competed the Yorkshire Marathon last month - a doddle at just 26 miles long.

Gavin didn't simply drive there, run the marathon and come home, though. He did things a little unorthodox.

"I actually ran from Barnsley to York, then did the marathon," said the former Regimental Sergeant Major. "You go through peaks and troughs in running but if your mind tells you to give up you've just got to keep going."

Gavin took five hours and eight minutes to run the 40 miles to York, before resting up for three hours. 

He then finished the marathon in three hours and 20 minutes. Mr Felton, whose wife Victoria, 30, and two children, Harrison, seven, and Kiera, three, were in the crowd, has completed 48 road marathons as well as 19 cross-country marathons.

He's confident the staggering 863-mile run will go to plan - and remains focused on the time he has got to beat.

"Days four and five will be the key," he added. "Once I'm past Kendal it'll be a big mental lift as it's like you're on your second and final lap as it's the half way point."

Slow release energy foods such as Ready Brek and honey sandwiches are on the menu, but another stranger choice makes its way onto the list as well - baby food.

"It's horrible," admits Gavin.

We Are Barnsley will be following Gavin's run, so stay tuned and we'll keep you informed of how he's getting on.

BARNSLEY Council's 15-strong fleet of gritting vehicles are being prepared for this winter.

Some 10,660 tonnes of grit is in storage, ready to be spread across the borough.

The gritters will be available around the clock between now and March.

Last year the council began gritting on November 3 and finished on April 2. Between these dates, the gritters were out on 93 days, spreading a total of some 9,449 tonnes of grit.

If you want to know if your road is on a primary or secondary route, this information is available on the council's website.

Cllr Roy Miller said: "We're ready, but are you? I urge residents to plan their winter journeys and make sure their vehicles have been checked, pack appropriate warm clothing for long journeys and in adverse weather conditions consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary.

"I also ask older people to be extremely careful in icy conditions. Give us time to do our job before trying to make a journey in heavy snow or icy conditions and let the gritters and snow ploughs clear areas before you set off."

THE Reds are backing a new prostate cancer campaign which is aiming to raise awareness among Barnsley's men.

'Watch Yourself' is a council campaign in partnership with Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Barnsley Football Club.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer, aiming to reach as many men in the town as possible.

The Reds will be warming up on home games in Watch Yourself T-shirts and wristbands that display the campaign's slogan.

Reds' goalkeeper Luke Steele said: "This is a campaign that's close to our hearts and we're keen to support it.

"We will do everything we can to reach out to our fan base and beyond, with the message that both cancers are treated, and even beatable, if they're detected early enough."

Dr Nick Balac, Barnsley CCG's chairman, said: "Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-44 years with almost half of all cases occurring in men under 35.

"It's important that men across Barnsley recognise the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer and feel confident to consult their GP as soon as they notice something unusual."

Symptoms for testicular cancer include lumps and swelling and sharp pains, whereas symptoms for prostate cancer include abnormalities when urinating, doing it more often and dribbling once finished.

A MAN who drank up to a bottle of vodka a day may not have realised his house was on fire, an inquest into his death was told.

When Leslie Stuart Robinson, 66, died in his Woodhall Road home on March 26, he was three times over the drink-drive limit, according to pathologist, Dr Naomi Carter.

She said Mr Robinson's high blood alcohol level most likely impaired his ability both to realise a fire had started and, once it had taken hold, to escape.

Neighbour Zoe Barnes made a daring attempt to rescue Mr Robinson, kicking down the back door and, when she was unable to find him, smashing the glass of the front door to see if there were any keys.

She said he had 'never been the same' since the death of his brother who he lived with and had steadily deteriorated, developing an alcohol problem and drinking throughout the day.

Fire investigator and officer Andy Strelczenie told the court it was his opinion that the fire most likely started after some of Mr Robinson's clothes, which may have been drying due to there being snow on the ground that day, were ignited by the gas fire.

He said he believed the clothes may have subsequently ignited a sofa, which didn't meet fire regulations because of its age, meaning the fire quickly spread around the house.

He said the fire was so ferocious, with flames stretching from the floor to the ceiling, that nothing remained of the sofa but its springs. The walls were reduced to bare brick.

He said: "I haven't come across a fire like this for many years, partly due to new construction techniques and partly because furniture fire regulations are far superior to what they used to be."

He said firefighters had to crawl around on the floor to find Mr Robinson's body, which was by that time badly charred and needing extensive forensic investigation to confirm his identity.

Assistant coroner Sarah Louise Slater concluded Mr Robinson had died as a result of an accident and was satisfied the cause of death was smoke inhalation, with alcohol intoxication and coronary atheroma (accumulation and swelling in artery walls) as contrubuting factors.

MAYOR of Barnsley Ken Richardson is inviting the town's residents to join him as he leads the borough’s tribute to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice made by our service men and women in the run up to Remembrance Day.

On November 7, the mayor will be attending the Festival of Remembrance, organised by the Barnsley branch of the Royal British Legion at Horizon Community College at 7pm.

On November 10, Remembrance Sunday, everyone is invited to join the mayor, the Royal British Legion, veterans and service representatives at the war memorial outside Barnsley Town Hall.

The traditional service will start at 11am with the national two-minute silence, which will be marked by a bugler.

As part of the service, wreaths will be laid by service representatives and other invited organisations to remember those who have given their lives.

Members of the public are asked to be in position by 10.50am.

Motorists are advised that roads around the Town Hall (including Church Street between Eastgate and Shambles Street, St Mary’s Gate and Sadler Gate) will be closed on the day from 9.30am to 1pm.

This is part of a number of services taking place across the borough to remember the fallen.

Road closures will be in place on November 10, from 10.45am to 11.30am, as a parade walks from Monk Bretton Methodist Church on High Street to St. Paul's Church, Cross Street, pausing at the Cenotaph at 11am.

Blacker Road in Mapplewell will be closed on November 10 from 10.55am to 11.05am for a Remembrance Day service.

High Street in Dodworth will be closed on November 10 from 10.35am to 11.30am. The Parade will start at Dodworth Miners' Welfare, off High Street, and proceed to the Cenotaph adjacent to the junction with Barnsley Road.

Summer Lane, Cemetery Road, High Street, Park Street and Kelvin Grove in Wombwell will be part of a rolling road closure on the 10th from 9.30am to 11.15am.

The parade will then leave St. Mary's Church at 10.45am and proceed to Park Street/High Street at the Cenotaph, and pause there until 11.15am for the Remembrance Sunday service, after which the road will reopen.

On Armistice Day (November 11), the mayor will mark the two-minute silence at the war memorial outside Barnsley Town Hall at 11am.

Joining the mayor will be members of the Royal British Legion, representatives from veterans associations and 270 children from Summer Lane Primary School.

Motorists should note that traffic will be temporarily stopped and unable to pass-by the Town Hall during the two-minute silence.

COLLECTIONS have been started for a 12-year-old Barnsley boy left an orphan after his dad was killed in a road accident, just six weeks after his mum died from cancer.

Lewis Clough is now being looked after by his dad's fiancee Dawn Porter at the home they shared in Hoyle Mill.

Lewis's mum Manda, from Lundwood, died from cancer just weeks before his dad 44-year-old Ian Clough was killed as he rode his motorbike to work on the night shift at Premdor in Darton.

Friends and those who have read about the tragic story were so touched that several collections have now been launched to try to help Lewis.

Money is already being donated at the Hoyle Mill pub, at the fish and chip shop on Pontefract Road, Lundwood, and another at Lundwood Premier store, also on Pontefract Road.

It was on October 17 at 9.35pm when Ian's blue Yamaha motorbike was travelling on the A637 Barnsley Road towards Darton where he worked and a silver Citroen Xsara Picasso was travelling in the opposite direction.

The vehicles collided on a sweeping bend near to Bence Lane.

The motorbike left the road and came to rest down an embankment. Ian suffered fatal head injuries and died at the scene.

The 82-year-old car driver, also from Barnsley, was not reported to have been injured.

Police want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the manner of driving prior to the incident or anyone who saw the collision.

Witnesses are to call 101 quoting incident number 1263 of October 17.

A BARNSLEY woman bled to death after a surgeon accidentally cut an artery.

The inquest into 42-year-old Andrea Green's death has resumed.

Consultant surgeon Hany Ismaiel accidentally cut an artery and was among a group of doctors called a 'cancer in the system' by their boss, the inquest heard.

Ms Green had started suffering from back pain in August 2009. The pain was so bad that she was bedridden for two weeks despite being prescribed with painkillers by her GP on numerous occasions.

She was advised that the pain could return if the operation was not carried out.

When her sister Janette Allatt, 56, visited her in hospital in the evening after the operation, she found her very pale and complaining of stomach pain.

Nurses discovered she had very low blood pressure and because she was in pain, administered medication to relieve it.

At 2am the following morning, Miss Green's father received a call from the hospital informing them that she was seriously ill.

To their horror, by the time her family arrived at the hospital, she had died.

Her death came just weeks after consultants in the orthopaedic department at Barnsley Hospital warned management of 'grave risks' to patient safety because of staffing.

Miss Green’s inquest was halted last year when coroner Chris Dorries asked police to investigate following emergence of the rift.

A file was sent to the CPS to examine evidence of corporate manslaughter, but no charges were brought.

The resumed inquest is expected to last for three weeks.

PINGU, DJ Simon Hirst, Corrie's Jack P Shepherd and Bobby Hassell will all be in Barnsley to switch two sets of Christmas lights on.

On Wednesday, November 20, both Barnsley town centre and the Alhambra's lights will be switched on.

Town Hall 

From 5pm, Dearne FM will be playing all the Christmas classics to get people in the mood for the festive season before Mayor Ken Richardson, DJ Simon Hirst and Pingu switch on the lights.

The town centre will be illuminated at 6pm, followed by a fireworks display from the top of the Town Hall.

There will be live music from Barnsley band Undafret.

There will also be children's rides in the town centre and late night shopping until 7.30pm and Experience Barnsley will also be staying open until the same time.

The event will call for road closures to be in place from 9.30am to 10pm and vehicle users are asked to note that between these times the following roads will be affected:

Church Street (from Eastgate to Shambles Street)

Sadler Gate (full length) 

St Mary's Gate (full length)

A diversion will be in place along Old Mill Lane, Harborough Hill Road, Westway and Shambles Street.

Kendray Street (from Midland Street to Eldon Street), Eldon Street (full length) and Market Hill (full length) will also be closed between 5.55pm and 6.15pm.

Alhambra

Down at the Alhambra, Coronation Street's Jack P Shepherd, Reds legend Bobby Hassell and up and coming star Darren Sawdon will switch the shopping centre's lights on.

Jack, 25, who has played David Platt on the popular soap since 2000, will join the two local lads to turn them on from 6pm.

ELSECAR'S new £500,000 park and ride is to open on November 7.

The new facility will offer 85 parking spaces, including six accessible bays and four motorcycle spaces, LED lighting and CCTV on the north side of the station behind the Barnsley-bound platform.

A new access ramp will also be provided to the platform.

Yorkshire-based contractor Hewlett Construction Ltd has carried out the work, which has cost in the region of £500,000.

Disruption to travellers and local residents has been minimal as the works have largely taken place away from the existing public areas.

The new park and ride is the latest facility on the Sheffield to Barnsley line following the building of the Wombwell's in July 2009.

David Young, deputy interim director general at SYPTE, said: "This facility will widen the travel options for people in the Elsecar and Hoyland area who may not have been able to access the station previously.

"It will give a well-lit and monitored area where people can leave their cars with confidence. The new ramp will also provide a safer, easier access to the Barnsley-bound platform for those on foot, removing the need to use the current steeply-graded ramp."

A MAN who was banned from contacting his ex has been jailed for 58 weeks - for giving their son £20 at her house.

John Kavanagh, prosecuting at Barnsley Magistrates' Court, said Peter David Arnott walked straight into the house.

"He said he wanted to give his son some money, Mr Kavanagh added. "The defendant left when his former partner said she was calling the police."

The court heard that the encounter breached the terms of a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. The sentence was imposed for an earlier breach of the restraining order.

Alyson Goldsmith, defending, said Arnott, 35, of Ladywood Road, Grimethorpe, deeply regretted going to his ex-partner's home. She said Arnott didm't think the woman would be in.

Mrs Goldsmith added: "Mr Arnott found out his ex-partner and her children were short of money. He had a spare £40 and wanted to give £20 of what little he had to a son.

"Mr Arnott thought he was doing the right thing when his ex-partner and the children were in financial difficulties.

"He realises a dim view is taken when a court order is breached."

District Judge John Foster said: "Your behaviour has been governed by drink and drugs for a long time.

"When I imposed the suspended prison sentence, I gave you a chance to show you could live your life in the way you said you would from then on.

"An immediate jail sentence is of no use to you, your family or the public. But I am left with no alternative."

Arnott admitted breaching the restraining order and the terms of the suspended sentence. He also admitted three thefts.

A KIND-HEARTED youngster has donated most of her hair - to help children who have lost theirs because of cancer.

Bailey Pendleton, 12, read about the charity the Little Princess Trust in a magazine and was moved to hear how it provides real-hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own through cancer treatment.

When hairdresser Robert Eaton heard of Bailey's determination, he offered to do the cutting in his Barnsley salon.

Bailey, from Oakdale, Worsbrough Dale, who has not had her hair cut for four years, said: "I was at my grandma's reading her magazine when I learned about the Little Princess Trust.

"It said you had to be able to donate more than seven inches of hair and I decided mine was long enough and that's what I wanted to do.

"I'm not sure what it will look like short, but I'm glad to be able to do it because I like to think of helping someone who has cancer to feel better."

Her mum Amanda said: "I was rather surprised when she told me what she wanted to do, but she was determined and I think it's commendable that she's willing to sacrifice her long hair to help other children."

DETAILS about the controversial HS2 rail line will be revealed at a meeting on Thursday.

Michael Dugher, the MP for Barnsley East, is encouraging people to attend.

The meeting, taking place at Kirk Balk School in Hoyland at 6pm, follows an event which was held at Barnsley Town Hall on Saturday.

HS2 Ltd staff will attend the meeting, along with engineers, tunnelling engineers, and property compensation and noise experts.

Mr Dugher said: "I would encourage people in Barnsley to go to the event, which will help provide clear, accurate and up-to-date information about HS2 plans in our area and what impact there could be."

THIS sick pony needs your help.

A horse sanctuary in Cawthorne is appealing for urgent help to save Fergus, who has a tumour on his eye.

Albert's Horse Sanctuary founder and trustee, Mary Hepworth, says 19-year-old Fergus needs life-saving treatment to remove the tumour, which could cost thousands.

"He came to us eight years ago from a riding school in York because he was surplus to requirements," she said.

"He's so gentle and anyone who knows our sanctuary and who has visited will know him.

"He developed a tumour in his eye two years ago and the vet was able with our help at the sanctuary to remove it.

"He now has one at the top of his eye which will mean he will either have to go to Halifax or Liverpool for treatment.

"This could run into thousands and we really think he deserves to be given the chance to live. He is quite happy with his life and is otherwise very fit.

"Without this operation the tumour is going to press on his brain and he will have to be put to sleep."

To help call Mary on 07721 327879 or visit the sanctuary at South Lane, Cawthorne.

A PERSON has been hit by a train near Chapeltown and trains are affected from Barnsley.

Buses are replacing trains between Meadowhall, Barnsley and Wakefield Kirkgate, with journey times extended by up to 60 minutes.

This will continue until further notice.

Where possible, some trains will divert between Sheffield and Leeds.

A FORMER school site in Barnsley could be transformed into a £10million shopping complex.

Rothstone Estates has big plans for the site on which Foulstone School once stood in Darfield, with supermarket giants Sainsbury's and Lidl having already agreed terms.

The application, which is set to be submitted to Barnsley Council, will create around 80 jobs if the plans are approved.

The Nanny Marr Road development will also include a 180-space car park and a mix of two and three-bedroom houses.

A number of public consultation sessions to give residents the chance to view the plans are being held in Darfield this month.

The managing director of Rothstone Estates, Mark Rothery, said: "This would provide a much-needed boost to local retail facilities as well as a significant number of jobs.

"Currently, Darfield residents have limited choice, so many people have to travel out of the village to shop. The scheme would provide access to shops which meet the needs of the local community."

Are you in favour? Have your say below.

REMEMBER this unicyclist from last winter? We've been in touch with him and he's looking forward to this year's snow!

Matt Townsend, 22, started off riding with his friend Danny Watson, going to and from Barnsley College.

Since being photographed by someone on We Are Barnsley last year, the photo has turned into a phenomenon!

"Danny had one in the back of his garage so we pumped its tyre up and started riding it," said Matt, of Gateway Plaza.

"I'm a keen cyclist so the balance thing isn't really an issue - if you fall you can only land on your feet. 

"It's twice as fast as walking and you can take it anywhere, whereas if I was on a bike I couldn't."

Matt, who is now studying music at University Campus Barnsley, has continued riding his unicycle throughout the year and says it's a real ice-breaker with passing people.

"I reckon 80 per cent of people love it. You get the odd person taking the mick but the reaction is usually great. 

"I went to the hospital the other week and they had me riding up and down the ward!"

TRAFFIC came to an abrupt halt - as a scuffle between two drunken women spilled onto the street.

Barnsley Magistrates' Court heard that Tina Stewart, 42, who had been recovering from a throat cancer operation, and another woman were in a stopping place for pedestrians at the junction of Doncaster Road and Cemetery Road, said Jayne Ormrod, prosecuting.

She said Stewart, who only months earlier had feared she had not long to live, kicked the other woman onto the ground. A man had tried to intervene but was bitten by Stewart's dog.

"The women occasionally went into the middle of the road during the scuffle and traffic had to stop," Mrs Ormrod said.

Earlier, Stewart had lashed out with a dog lead five times at a group of people in a garden.

Mrs Ormrod said Stewart attacked a woman outside the Jobcentre in Peel Street on another occasion when she was 'stressed out' during earlier stages of her illness.

Mrs Ormrod said Stewart, of St Joseph's Gardens, Kendray, punched Patricia Robinson in the face. Stewart, who was drunk, said she 'lost it'.

The victim, who suffered cuts to the inside of her cheek, said Stewart had acted like 'a raving nutter'.

Two days after that assault, Stewart scratched the face of her partner, Ryan Jones.

Alan Greaves, defending, said the scuffle at the Doncaster Road/Cemetery Road junction had been sparked by a remark about her illness.

Mr Greaves said: "Miss Stewart has a short fuse. Months earlier, she had feared the worst. She did not know how long she had left.

"She committed the two assaults, had an operation, underwent recovery and then became involved in the scuffle with the other woman."

District Judge John Foster described Stewart's behaviour as 'unacceptable' despite her serious illness. "You need to be strong. Your behaviour showed weakness," he said.

Stewart, who admitted threatening behaviour and two assaults, was given a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for a year.

She was also ordered to pay £100 in compensation to Patricia Robinson, costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £80.

AN abandoned, part-built block of flats which was once valued at £11million has sold at auction - for just £375,000.

It's understood the development will be completed by the new owner, who has not been named.

A further £4million is thought to be needed to finish the intended development.

The building, at the junction of John Street and Burleigh Street, was sold at the Eddisons auction sale on October 24.

The building's skeleton is already finished and it's set to comprise of 66 one-bedroom and 20, two-bedroom flats, along with 10,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space on final completion.

Asa Foster, 28, who took the spectacular photograph on this article, raised the alarm of the 'death trap' concrete skeleton after scaling the unfinished building.

Asa was shocked at what he found inside, with needles strewn about and the building being used by people taking drugs and drinking. 

He said it was only a matter time until someone was seriously injured or killed as the building has no security, external walls, barriers, lighting, and there are holes in some of the floors.

A BARNSLEY Hospital patient has praised a new scheme designed to reduce readmissions.

When 77-year-old Audrey Dixon, of Monk Bretton, was admitted to hospital last November, doctors and nurses thought she may have suffered a stroke or even a heart attack.

It was only after performing tests that she was finally diagnosed with epilepsy.

Since epilepsy is an ongoing condition that can be treated and kept under control with medication, Audrey was discharged from hospital and placed on the 'Virtual Ward' scheme.

Audrey was provided with a nurse at the hospital who would call her everyday to ask if she had any problems with her medication or any queries about her treatment.

The scheme focuses on patients who are most likely to be readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge.

If it wasn’t for the Virtual Ward, Audrey may have faced readmission to hospital. Nurses found that many patients don't always fully understand their medical needs as they're often too complex, leading to readmissions.

Whilst Audrey was on the scheme, a nurse set out a care plan, through which Audrey had everyday contact with a nurse if necessary. Audrey was able to ask any questions she had about her condition on a daily basis.

"The care I received was excellent," Audrey said. "I felt very reassured about my diagnosis and the nurses made sure that I understood everything and felt comfortable with my medication.

"Knowing that there was somebody to contact every day if I needed anything was marvellous, I felt like I knew exactly what was happening with my treatment."

Mandy Philbin, clinical service manager at Barnsley Hospital, said: "The Virtual Ward scheme has received great feedback and patients have been more than impressed with its excellent standard of service."

The Virtual Ward scheme takes place for 30 days after the patient has been discharged from hospital. After this, the patient may be referred to another specialist for any extra treatment they may need.

A BARNSLEY nursery has been judged 'outstanding' by government inspectors.

Buddies Children's Centre in Monk Bretton scored top marks in every category by Ofsted.

Sue Duke, manager of the centre in Burton Road, said: "We just have got fantastic staff who work so hard and so well with all the children."

Buddies has 72 children on its roll.

The inspectors said the children thrive and make rapid progress in all areas of their learning and development because all the staff are extremely knowledgeable practitioners.

They added all the staff are committed to making sure each child has their individual needs catered for to enable them to learn new skills, play and have fun.

The children behave 'extremely well' and have an excellent connection with the staff and their peers.

The inspectors concluded: "The children are exceptionally happy and secure and are supported by staff that are highly effective and they know the children well."

A TRIO of Barnsley museums are celebrating having been awarded by Arts Council England.

Cannon Hall Museum, Worsbrough Mill Museum and the Cooper Gallery have all been awarded full accreditation status.

To achieve this, a museum must demonstrate high standards in looking after the collections, enabling people to view, enjoy and research collections and stories, and effectively managing the museum, working towards a sustainable future.

These three Barnsley museums first achieved the status in 2008 under the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, and applications for the new scheme under Arts Council England were sent in April 2013.

Cllr Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for development, environment and culture, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Barnsley's museums.

"It's a demonstration of the high quality of engagement with the public, museum management and collections care and is a credit to the team."

An application for Experience Barnsley will also be made shortly.

THE spectacular Victorian conservatory at Wentworth Castle will finally re-open this week following a £3.74million restoration.

During the historic restoration, an incredible 4,000 parts were dismantled, labelled, cleaned and restored.

Slowly but surely, the glasshouse has been restored back to its former glory over 15 painstaking months.

Claire Herring, director at Wentworth Castle Gardens, said: "After a decade of fundraising, and over a year of renovating the conservatory, we're delighted and relieved to have finally reached this stage.

"The conservatory has been meticulously refurbished to its original state and this glorious glasshouse will be the jewel in Wentworth Castle Garden's crown."

The interior planting is based around the continents of the world, with five beds explaining the history of how different plant species - some of which are now common place in our gardens - first arrived in the country.

The restoration work has been complemented by the construction of a new activity room next to the conservatory, which will provide a great base for school and community groups to discover the heritage and wildlife of the gardens.

Mayor of Barnsley Ken Richardson will officially open the conservatory on November 7, before it is open to the public the day after.

CHILDREN'S homes could close if staff involved in a six-year pay dispute demand what they're owed now, unions have been warned.

The non-payment of weekend enhancements and shift allowances - which could total £200,000 - came to light when changes were made to council staff's terms and conditions of employment earlier this year.

Paperwork shows some staff are owed thousands of pounds in non-payments - going back up to six years.

According to union UNISON, the council's assistant chief executive for human resources, Julia Bell, has said that if employees receive full, backdated payment now, the children's residential home service, which runs three homes, wouldn't be viable as there's no money available to fund payment.

UNISON representative Brian Steele said they're still in discussions with the council to try and resolve the issue 'satisfactorily'.

He said: "It could pose serious risk to the service's future. All council services are emotive to people and we want to resolve any outstanding issues to keep these vital services.

"No overall agreement has been reached but individuals are aware of what's owed to them."

When asked if the council had put forward its settlement proposals, Mr Steele said discussions had taken place but they were 'ongoing'.

A spokeswoman for Barnsley Council confirmed it's still in discussions with staff and the trade unions involved - GMB and UNISON.

She added: "There are three children's residential homes that could be affected."

UNISON's proposal to settle the issue is for each employee's back-pay entitlement to be calculated by the council, going back up to six years, but for the payment to be deferred until their employment is terminated, either by the council or through them leaving for another job, rather than being paid now.

It says this would avoid any sudden financial impact that could jeopardise jobs or future viability of the service, as well as meet members' wishes to safeguard jobs and secure fair financial compensation.

However, it's understood the council's position is that a settlement will only be possible if all employees are in agreement.

If not, the council may default to a position where each employee receives their full back-pay entitlement now which would 'almost certainly result in its children's homes closing or being out sourced', UNISON said.

A UNISON newsletter says: "UNISON does not consider this to be an idle threat as we are actually aware that the council needs to cut £18million from its budget next year.

"It would be disastrous if a settlement were scuppered because some individuals want their back-pay now."

AN iconic Barnsley pub where Kes was filmed has been demolished.

The Dards in Cudworth closed its doors in April.

Its ex-licensee Adele Sellars, 48, had her own bid for the pub rejected and said she was worried the 'landmark' building could be knocked down.

Sadly, the building has now been demolished.

Local lad Thomas Agus said he saw an opportunity for investment to develop the site and set up ATTA Properties Ltd with friend Andy Thompson.

Several parties have been interested in the land, Mr Agus said, ranging from bedsits to flats and a local shopping store.

He said there was little interest in reopening it as a pub.

"Before we decided to buy the property we didn't want to see it be converted to bedsits, flats or a shopping centre.

"The building may look the same from the outside, but it would lose its soul.

"Therefore we decided the best option would be for the building to be demolished."

HUNDREDS made their way to Cannon Hall on Sunday evening for their annual fireworks display.

Blustery rain showers thankfully stopped before the event got underway and scores of people turned out for the popular annual event.

Michelle Scott, 46, of Darton, brought her husband Paul, 47, and two kids James, 15, and Izzy, 12, along. 

"It's just an annual family thing for us now," she said. "The farm is so popular and the fireworks never fail to deliver."

It was the first time many people had seen the farm's new £1.4million farmyard, designed to give visitors a unique insight into the workings of a modern farm with purpose-built viewing galleries.

Opened this summer, the seven new farm buildings went down a treat with the kids.

Joanne Hall, 24, of Dodworth, brought her three-year-old daughter Maisie to see what all the fuss is about.

"Maisie's absolutely loved it," Joanne said. "The piglets were her favourite but she took to the 'moo cows' as well!"

However, disgruntled Jonathan Hirst, 41, of Grimethorpe, bemoaned the queues.

"I feel like a farm animal myself if I'm honest," he joked. "We're tightly packed in and we're all waiting in line for some food.

"Every queue is so long for drink, food and toilets. I feel a bit let down as it should have been organised better.

"It's almost like they weren't prepared to cope with the amount who have turned up." 

Did you go to Cannon Hall's bonfire? What did you make of it? Have your say below.