A SECOND World War pilot thought to be one of the last in the borough has died.

Tom Bromley, 89, who spent most of his life at Aldham Crescent, died at Buckingham Care Home, Penistone, where he had spent the last few weeks of life.

Born in Wigan, Tom's family walked from Wigan to Wombwell in 1924 when he was a two-year-old to find work as, while coal seams in Lancashire were declining, those in Wombwell were continuing to be exploited. His father eventually found work at Wombwell Main.

The family settled in Smithies before moving to Roebuck Street and Tom went to school at Holgate Grammar after passing his 11 plus exam. Later leaving school to care for his sick mother, he worked in the pits as a technician and studied chemistry and physics at night school.

In 1941, he became a pilot with the Royal Air Force and received his training in Africa, after travelling by sea. On the journey there, the ships in front and behind his were hit by torpedos and sank.

After completing his training, Tom returned to Britain as a Wellington Bomber pilot. On one particular mission the plane failed to lift off correctly, causing it to crash, though the crew survived.

He then moved to the Air Transport Auxiliary, responsible for ferrying new, repaired and damaged military aircraft across the country, where he flew 40 different different types of aircraft.

These included Lancaster Bombers, Wellington Bombers, four types of Spitfires, four types of Hurricanes and, his personal favourite, the Mosquito.

After being demobbed, Tom found work as a salesman for Hoover and rose to the position of sales manager for the north of England. He would stay with the company for 35 years before retirement.

He met wife Mary, née Savage, from Sheffield, during the war at a dance at the Cuban Club in Barnsley. Following the war, they stayed with Mary's father at the Imperial in Barnsley, where he was landlord.

They married in 1947 at St Mary's Church, Barnsley, and moved in with Tom's sister at Wood Walk. Their first child, Martyn, was born in 1949 followed by their daughter, Lynn, and son, Paul.

In his leisure time, Tom enjoyed golf and joined Silkstone Golf Club in 1960, rising to captain and, later, president. He was also a lifelong Barnsley FC fan, a Freemason and a member of Barnsley Round Table.

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

A61 Park Road, Barnsley

A628 Barnsley Road, Penistone

A628 Barnsley Road, Silkstone

A628 Cundy Cross to Shafton Two Gates

A629 Halifax/Penistone Road, Wortley 

A633 Rotherham Road, Athersley South

A633 Rotherham Road, Monk Bretton

B6096 Wombwell to Snape Hill

B6411 Houghton Road, Thurnscoe

Brierley Road, Grimethorpe

Pogmoor Road, Barnsley

A6022 Rowms Lane, Swinton

A633 Sandygate, Wath-upon-Dearne

Pontefract Road, Brampton.

SNOOKER fans in Barnsley will be able to watch the game's top players in action for free at the Metrodome in October.

The venue will stage World Snooker tournaments for the first time this season, starting with the two-day International Championship qualifiers starting on October 1.

All professional players will be eligible to enter which means stars such as Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins, Judd Trump, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Ding Junhui and Shaun Murphy could be in action.

The International Championship qualifiers will see 128 players involved, with the 64 winners going through to the final stages in Chengdu, China.

"This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our existing fans for their loyal support," said Barry Hearn, chairman of World Snooker.

"It’s a chance to come and see your heroes free of charge and for anyone who hasn’t seen live snooker before, it’s the perfect opportunity to see what it’s all about."

All matches are best of 11 frames and there are sessions at 9.30am, 2.30pm and 7.30pm on both days. The draw and format will be released after the seeding cut-off point on September 23.

Later in the season, the Metrodome will also host the qualifying rounds of the German Masters (December 11-12), Haikou World Open (December 13-14) and China Open (February 17-18).

POLICE are appealing for information after a chalice was stolen from a church in Barnsley.

The chalice, valued at around £250, was last used at Sunday Mass on August 11 at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hallam Church in Worsbrough.

It is reported that the chalice was returned to its usual place within the church and was discovered missing a week later, when the Deacon was preparing for Sunday Mass.

It is reported that £80 in cash was also missing from the church.

There were no signs of forced entry to the church, but it is believed that a spare key to the safe had been used and is still missing.

South Yorkshire Police have released photos of a similar looking chalice from the church and are asking the public to be on the lookout for anybody who may be trying to sell the item, or for any information that may help the investigation.

The stolen chalice is silver with a hexagonal base. There is a cross at its base.

Anybody with information is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 1084 of August 17 2013, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

CHANGES are being made to a Barnsley bus service following feedback from passengers.

After listening to customer requests and meeting with local councillors, Stagecoach is altering the route of its number 26.

The service will serve Illsley Road, Morrison Road, Bly Road, Roundwood Way and Upperwood Road giving local residents a direct link into Wombwell.

Stagecoach had changed the route in July as part of a regular review designed to ensure services are punctual, reliable and convenient.

Rupert Cox, commercial director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: "Customer service is something that we take very seriously at Stagecoach and feedback from passengers is regularly used to shape our networks.

"After taking on board comments from members of the public and discussing the options with local councillors, we’re really pleased to be introducing this route change."

Stagecoach is also making minor changes to routes 217 and 218 in Bolton upon Dearne. The 218 will serve Billingley View and Carr Field Lane, instead of the 217, thereby reverting back to the route operated before July 2013.

The changes will come into effect from Saturday, October 26.

UP to £161million is being invested in Barnsley over the next three years in a move to grow the economy.

It includes spending more than £92million on improving council houses.

Since 2011, the council has invested in a number of capital projects, including purchasing land, constructing and improving buildings and roads and buying vehicles and machinery.

Cllr Alan Gardiner, cabinet spokesman for corporate services, said: "This is great news. Investing in the future by growing Barnsley's economy is a real priority for the council.

"The UK economy is seeing an upturn, and we want to be in a position to take advantage of this and embrace it."

Funding for the investment comes from things such as government grants, sale of assets such as property, and contributions from the council's revenue budgets.

THE Reds have completed the signing of Northern Ireland international Paddy McCourt on a deal until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old was released from Celtic this summer and is relishing the prospect of facing some 'big clubs' with Barnsley.

McCourt left the Scottish champions after making 66 league appearances in five seasons.

He is a former team-mate of Reds boss David Flitcroft, the pair having played together at Rochdale.

"It was an easy decision," he said. "I’ve known the manager a long time. I’ve been speaking to him over the last couple of weeks.

"I’ve been down to a few training sessions, got to know the lads and am delighted to be on board. 

"I’m an attacking player who likes to create and score goals. The short-term goal is to get up to speed with the lads, I haven’t done a full pre-season so the next few weeks will be important."

NATURE lovers in Barnsley can expect to see a few more kestrels, hedgehogs, voles, butterflies and grasshoppers which are thriving from a new approach to grass cutting in the area.

Selected areas of grass on some informal parkland locations maintained by Barnsley Council are being allowed to grow longer between cuts to increase the abundance of native wildlife.

The Dearne Valley Green Heart (DVGH) area was chosen by the government in 2012 as one of the 12 English national Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) to run as three-year pilot areas. This project has been supported by Defra, DCLG, the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission and Natural England.

Cabinet spokesperson for Development, Environment and Culture, Cllr Roy Miller, said: "This work is great news for native wildlife and local people in our part of the valley. It supports the great work of our partners who are creating new nature reserves and improving farmland."

POLICE have arrested two men on suspicion of firearms offences.

An incident was reported to police at around 11.30pm on August 21 at an address on Crown Close, Worsbrough Common.

Two men were believed to have forced entry to the property and were allegedly in possession of a firearm.

No injuries were sustained by anyone and two men, aged 24 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.

Police believe this may have been a targeted attack and are continuing with enquiries.

STAGECOACH has defended itself after one of its drivers was sacked for failing to collect fares from a band who staged an impromptu concert on his bus.

Some members of the Frumptarn Guggen Band - along with a band they had invited over from Germany - caught the 66 Stagecoach bus to Worsbrough Mill where they were due to play.

The band's conductor, Keith Ramskill, said it seemed like a harsh action for the bus company to take.

"What a shame a lovely afternoon for almost everyone was spoiled by this," said Keith. "I'm surprised anyone complained as they seemed to enjoy the bands.

"We offered to pay the fare and we would like to repeat this offer to Stagecoach if they would reinstate this very kind man."

However, a spokeswoman for Stagecoach said: "The driver in question was not dismissed for a one-off incident involving ticket irregularity. He was dismissed as a result of several issues during the relatively short period he was employed by us.

"As always, we followed our full disciplinary procedure when dealing with this matter which included two levels of appeal."

You can read the original story here.

AN eight-year-old girl has raised more than double her target after cutting her hair for charity.

Millie French, of Eaden Crescent, Hoyland, underwent a sponsored hair cut on August 4 in aid of the Little Princess Trust, which uses real hair to make wigs for children who have lost theirs due to cancer treatment.

In addition to donating her own locks to the trust, Millie aimed to raise £350 - the cost of making one child's wig. Her total raised so far is more than £700.

Mum Gemma, 34, said: "Millie's so grateful to all the family, friends and members of the public who have sponsored her and supported her.

"The Market Hotel in Elsecar has been fantastic for hosting the hair cut and helping raise money for the trust."

THE Antiques Roadshow is coming to the area next month.

Filming for the long-running BBC favourite, now in its 36th series, will be in Wentworth Woodhouse's grounds on September 19. Doors will open at 9.30am and entry is free.

"This will be my sixth year on the show and every week is different," said Fiona Bruce, 49, the show's presenter.

Visitors are invited to bring along their family heirlooms to show to the experts for advice and valuations.

Simon Shaw, the series' editor, said: "We can never predict what will come to light as every show being big surprises. 

"On behalf of all of the experts, we're asking the people of South Yorkshire to dig out their treasures."

The show attracted an average of six million viewers in its last series and unearthed some interesting finds, including a £10 jar bought at a car boot sale which turned out to be a 330-year-old Japanese creation worth £5,000.

People will larger items can send their item's details to:

Antiques Roadshow

BBC

Whiteladies Road

Bristol

BS8 2LR

BARNSLEY'S overall GCSE standards have risen, continuing a five-year trend of improvement. Here's a list of the area's schools and how they've performed.

Netherwood

Many students surpassed expectations. Stand out results for James Higginbottom, Lauren Hayes and Cameron Hudson, who each achieved at least seven A* and A grades.

Penistone

Best GCSE results recorded. A 5 per cent rise in A*-C grades in English and mathematics.

Significant improvement in languages, sciences and English literature.

Darton 

Improvement in the proportion of 3 A*-A grades and a rise from 5 per cent to 15 per cent in EBac qualifications.

Horizon

Significant rise in standards during the school's first year. Results are above national average for 5 A-C grades including English and mathematics.

Holy Trinity

Above average proportion of pupils attaining 3 A*-C grades and above average capped APS - 19.3 per cent of pupils gained EBac qualifications.

Carlton Community College

Best results since school opened.

Shafton ALC

Exceeded floor standards and had a 7 per cent improvement in mathematics since last year.

Kirk Balk 

Improvements in proportion attaining English and mathematics. EBac outcomes have risen from 8.4 per cent to 19 per cent.

Barnsley Academy

Good outcomes in science, business and ICT compared with previous years.

The Dearne

Pupils gaining EBac has risen from 0.9 per cent to 7.9 per cent.

More information

The proportion of pupils attaining five or more A*-C grades has increased, with over 50 per cent of pupils meeting or exceeding this national expectation for the first time.

Standards in English and mathematics have improved most noticeably, with a 12 per cent increase in mathematics over the past five years.

Last year's dip in English has also been reversed, with a 3 per cent improvement.

Other achievements include an increased number of pupils attaining the highest grades of A* or A and a rise in children reaching the EBac standard.

Cllr Margaret Bruff said: "I'm impressed with the overall improvements, for English and mathematics in particular.

"I would like to congratulate all those young people and their teachers who can feel proud of their commitment in delivering these results. I wish the pupils every success for the future."

THE Reds have signed Norway striker Marcus Pedersen on a season-long loan deal from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.

The 23-year-old has won two senior caps for his country and led the line at this summer's European Under-21 Championships, starting in Norway's 3-1 victory over England.

Barnsley manager David Flitcroft has been open about wanting to add to his striking options in recent weeks.

"First and foremost I am a striker, I like to get in the box and attack the ball and I like to score goals," Pedersen said.

"I always try to improve my scoring ratio and hopefully I'll be able to do that here at Barnsley."

RESIDENTS have said anti-social behaviour is so bad in their neighbourhood it's akin to a 'warzone'.

More than 25 angry residents in Monk Bretton gatecrashed a community crime and safety meeting last week, saying they feared someone would be seriously hurt or even killed by "druggies, alcoholics and glue-sniffers" roaming St Anne's Drive, Rainford Drive and Fylde Close.

Chairman of the crime and safety group, Terry Price, passed concerns on to the police at the Partners and Community Together (PACT) meeting.

She said residents "can't take any more" and members agreed to make the crackdown a priority.

Some elderly people are too scared to answer their doors and cannot sleep because of shouting and the noise of smashing windows in the early hours, according to local people.

Barry Wallace, 73, of St Anne's Drive, has lived in the area for 47 years and was among those at the community crime and safety meeting last Wednesday.

He said problems had been going on for more than a year.

"Druggies are causing mayhem going into old folks' houses and demanding food," he said. "One glue-sniffer walks down the street openly holding the can and we have smelled cannabis next door.

"A lady complained about her neighbour and now it sounds like he is battering her wall with a sledgehammer."

Mr Wallace said police had been out several times but problems were escalating.

Monk Bretton's Cllr Margaret Sheard said: "Until the residents all came along to the meeting we didn't realise the extent of the problems."

AN 87-year-old woman was injured in a collision involving a police car in Barnsley.

The police car, a white Ford Focus, had been parked in a parking bay at a Costcutter supermarket on Spark Lane, Mapplewell, at 11.50am on August 21.

It is thought that the police car was reversing out of the parking bay when it collided with the 87-year-old woman.

The woman is believed to have sustained a broken rib and hand injuries and was taken to Barnsley Hospital.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 433 of August 21.

A BARNSLEY woman is to be commended by the police for her courage and excellent public service.

Chief Superintendent for Barnsley, Andy Brooke, will award Leanne Underwood with a Commander’s Commendation.

On Wednesday, June 19, an incident occurred on Barnsley Road, Wombwell, where a 13-year-old boy had fallen from his bike and suffered an open fracture to his wrist.

Leanne saw the incident take place and immediately stopped her vehicle and went to assist the boy.

She contacted the ambulance service and remained with him in the road, she supported his wrist and tended to his open wound.

A police officer who was passing by assisted Leanne in moving the boy to the side of the road, at which point she placed her jacket around the boy to keep him warm. She continued to support and reassure the boy until the ambulance arrived.

The 13-year-old suffered open fractures, breaking both his radius and ulna, and remained in hospital for several days undergoing surgery to repair the damage caused.

It's particularly noteworthy that if Leanne had not been there, a passing vehicle could have hit the boy, however her assistance prevented this from happening.

Leanne had no hesitation in supporting someone in need, she acted decisively, and put the safety of others above her own.

"I have no hesitation in awarding Leanne Underwood this Commander’s Commendation in recognition of her professionalism, quick-thinking and decisive action," Chief Superintendent Andy Brooke said.

TWO men found with cannabis with a street value totalling £5,900 at their homes have been handed suspended jail sentences.

Graham Taylor, 29, and Lee John Mcfarlane, 29, said it was cheaper to grow their own, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Chantel Lowery-Green, prosecuting, said cannabis with a street value of £3,600 was found at Taylor's home on Tune Street, Barnsley.

She said cannabis worth £2,300 was discovered at Mcfarlane's home at Warren Crescent, Worsbrough Common.

The discoveries by police were sparked after Mcfarlane was stopped for drink driving and having about £120 of cocaine on him.

Gerard Casey, representing both men, said Taylor had grown four plants for about six days.

He said Mcfarlane had increased the amount of cannabis he took to alleviate pain because of a problem with his hip.

Mr Casey added: "Mr Mcfarlane says it was cheaper to grow cannabis. It would have cost him £1,240 to buy the same amount on the street."

Taylor, who admitted cannabis production, was given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for a year. Mcfarlane, who admitted possession of cannabis, cocaine and drink driving, was given a 24-week jail sentence, suspended for a year.

Both men were ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work, to pay £85 in costs and a victim surcharge of £80.

THE head of ASOS will tell the story of the firm at a Barnsley conference which hopes to inspire local businesses.

Nick Robertson OBE, co-founder and chief executive of ASOS, will head the line-up of high-profile speakers at the Connected Business conference on September 20 at The Civic, which has been funded by Enterprising Barnsley.

Nick will tell the company's story from its set-up in 2000 to its status today as the world’s most visited fashion website, worth £4billion on the London Stock Exchange.

The online company now has customers across three continents and its huge 530,000 square foot distribution hub in Barnsley is key to its global operations.

Nick’s presentation will form part of a free digital event, open to all Barnsley-based companies who want to learn more about how to utilise online tools and resources to benefit their own businesses.

Tracey Johnson, Enterprising Barnsley's sector specialist for creative and digital industries, said: "We're delighted to have speakers of such high calibre sharing their stories and experiences at the event.

"Every business needs to consider how to take best advantage of digital resources to secure future success and growth in the digital economy."

A FORMER soldier almost crashed head-on into a police car after taking cocaine, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Luke Stephen Wigglesworth's Volvo veered across the dividing central white line, said Jayne Ormrod, prosecuting.

"The police car was travelling in the opposite direction and had to brake to avoid a collision," she added.

Later, Wigglesworth, 22, who came out of the army in 2011 after more than three years, weaved in and out of parked cars, said Mrs Ormrod.

Mrs Ormrod added Wigglesworth overtook a car waiting at traffic lights. She said he was arrested after swerving onto Jardine Street, Wombwell.

Gerard Casey, defending, said Wigglesworth tried cocaine for the first time with friends at his home at School Street, Wombwell.

He said one of Wigglesworth's friends asked for a lift and he felt he would be fine to drive.

Mr Casey said: "He drove the way he did to evade the police. He saw the police car and panicked because he was not insured."

Wigglesworth, now a self-employed scaffolder, admitted driving while unfit through drugs, possessing cocaine and having no insurance.

Wigglesworth was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for 28 months.

He was ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

A BARNSLEY MP has taken the concerns of the town's flood victims to the top at Yorkshire Water.

He travelled to Bradford to meet its chief executive, Richard Flint, to raise the concerns of the long-suffering residents of Lang Avenue in Lundwood.

The visit followed his recent visit to the company’s sewage treatment works, which are next to Lang Avenue.

Residents there have long been complaining about ‘unacceptable’ levels of smells and flies coming from the Yorkshire Water treatment works.

There are also concerns about flooding and the extent to which Yorkshire Water held any responsibility for preventing a reoccurrence.

"Residents in Lang Avenue have had a lot to put up with in terms of flies, flooding and odours," said Mr Jarvis. "That's why I felt it was essential for me to fully understand their situation, by visiting the sewage treatment works site myself and then to take their concerns to the top of Yorkshire Water.

"I spelt out to Mr Flint just what a difficult time they've been having and we had a very productive meeting.

"Mr Flint assured me that all odour control units are fully working at the site and are maintained on a regular basis. This maintenance will continue so that any operational issues that may occur to trigger odours are identified straight away.

"Yorkshire Water has secured approximately £35,000 of funding to renew the netting on the fly beds to protect against flies.

"The work to complete the renewal of the netting is expected to be complete in the next three months.

"In relation to the flooding incident, this was caused by a rise in river levels and heavy rainfall. It was the river beds that flooded, not the sewage pumping station.

"Due to this, Yorkshire Water will not carry out any work to remedy this issue as the river is the responsibility of the Environment Agency.

"However, I know that councillors have been working with the both the Environment Agency and Barnsley Council to secure funding for flood prevention measures.

“I will be writing directly to all residents in Lang Avenue to update them on this progress."

UP to 150 jobs could be created with the construction of a shopping centre on a former school site.

Developer Mark Rothery met with Darfield councillors to discuss plans on Nanny Marr Road, the former Foulstone school site.

Among the revelations made in the meeting, according to Cllr Pauline Markham, were that the developers were in discussions with with Lidl, Iceland, Sainsbury's Local and Pound World to set up stores on the site alongside 39 houses.

Housing will consist of two and three-bedroom properties which will be set alongside 202 retail parking spaces.

Cllr Markham said Mr Rothery had also expressed a desire to get involved in the community, suggesting cash may also be put into the war memorial, park and cleaning up Lambeth Walk.

She added public consultation events would most likely take place next month, with a formal planning application submitted to the council as soon as October.

"It's looking very good," said Cllr Markham. "The plans are excellent and they've got financial backing so it looks as though it's ready to go.

"It's exactly what the people of Darfield have been asking for and will create a little shopping centre right in the middle of the village."

Should the development be given planning permission, it's predicted it would completed by about July 2015.

POLICE have arrested three men after an incident in Kendray on Monday night.

Police were called to a disturbance around 9.30pm at a property on Yews Lane, Kendray.

It was alleged that a man was chased from the address by three other men, one who was armed with a weapon.

Three men were arrested in relation to the incident and are all currently on bail.

Police carried out an extensive search of the property and surrounding area, but no weapon was found.

A WOMAN from Athersley has run the Race for Life - after her auntie was diagnosed with cancer for a third time.

Rachelle Austin, 28, from Bramcourt Avenue, Athersley, completed the 10k race at Pontefract racecourse.

She raised £350 for Cancer Research UK with sponsorship from friends, family and customers from where she works at BB's Hair Design on Summer Lane, Barnsley.

Rachelle was running in support of her auntie, Julie Lee, 56, of Warren View, Barnsley, who is fighting her third battle with cancer. Julie had to pay towards her living costs and hospital parking because she did not qualify for government support.

Rachelle said: "This was the first time I had completed a run like this. It was such an emotional event, I'm not a girly girl but the sea of women dressed in pink made me get tears in my eyes."

Rachelle ran alongside her cousin, Anna Austin, 34.

A BARNSLEY fire station could make way for housing, according to the chairman of the South Yorkshire Fire Authority.

Jim Andrews said the station, at Royston, which had been in use for 50 years, is under offer from a developer.

"Hopefully the sale will go through and it will be for housing," he said.

"There's not a lot you can do with the site as it's banked on two sides.

"We don't want it to be an eyesore for residents. We have an offer and I think it's acceptable and hopefully it will go through and they will demolish it."

Mr Andrews said the authority was looking to get rid of the station as soon as possible.

He said the authority had wanted to open up the building to community groups but none had come forward.

Money from the fire station would go to Barnsley Council as they gave the land where the new Cudworth Fire Station stands, he added.

The fire authority decided to close Royston last year and it closed its doors on December 31.

This was following a cut in government funding and in response to a review of emergency cover. More than 50 per cent of fire-fighters at Royston who were made redundant are now working at Cudworth station, Mr Andrews said.

MOBILE phone customers claim they're being left without a signal.

In one case in Pogmoor, a child had to be taken to hospital when she she struggled to breath because of a chest infection, as medics couldn't get back in touch with her parents after they had called the non-emergency 111 service.

Erin Richardson's parents, Jamie Richardson and Emma Davey, of Dodworth Road, were waiting for a return phone call.

But the signal problems meant they didn't get the call until 20 minutes later.

Jamie, 34, said: "We didn't know we had these phone problems until we got bombarded with text messages from people saying they had tried to get hold of us.

"The phone is showing it has full signal but when someone tries to call you, it goes straight to voicemail. When we try to make a call it won't connect."

Erin, 18-months-old, was kept in hospital overnight so her oxygen levels could be monitored.

Emma, 30, and Jamie have contacted T-Mobile and Orange, which are owned by EE, and were given a signal box, designed to help their phones connect to the network, but it has not resolved the problem.

Another customer, Paul Gallagher, has a business contract with EE and is having the same problem.

He runs an IT consultancy from his home on Crowden Walk and relies on his phone to make business calls.

Paul, 39, said took out the 24-month contract in January and pays £46 per month but has been having problems since the beginning of June.

"I don't know how much business I've lost because people can't get through.

"EE have not been able to fix this problem in two months and I was told it would cost me £700 to end my contract, but I'm currently paying for a service I don't receive.

"It's hard enough with the way the economy is without being messed about like this."

He was also given a signal box, but said this did not help.

Paul said he was told by EE that when the company was formed through the merger of T-Mobile and Orange, some phone masts which were particularly close together were switched off.

But he said they later changed their story and said the problem was due to a faulty mast.

Do you struggle with signal problems? Tell us where you're from and how badly you're affected by commenting below.

A CEREBRAL palsy sufferer who has called on the council to install a pelican crossing near his home has been knocked back.

Mark Ravenhill has campaigned for a crossing to be put on Church Street, Carlton, for him and his neighbours, many of whom also suffer from medical ailments.

"Myself and my neighbours on Spring

Grove have various ailments that stop us being able to cross the road safely," said Mark.

"Due to this, we often miss our buses to town. Around Christmas time last year I was crossing the road and a car clipped my wheelchair. Another

second and he could have knocked me over, now I am nervous to cross the road alone.

"Despite my condition, I'm a very independent person and I like to go out on my own, which I find difficult to do without a safe place to cross.

"My condition means that I cannot walk, I have use in one arm only and limited motor skills, as well as difficulties with my speech."

Cllr Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for Development, Environment and Culture, said: "We have been in regular contact with Mr Ravenhill over a number of years and have explored every avenue available to us.

"We fully understand Mr Ravenhill’s concerns, but have repeatedly explained to him and his representatives the reasons why we cannot accommodate the pelican crossing he wishes for.

"Even if the site met the national criteria in terms of traffic flow and pedestrian footfall - which it doesn’t - the constraints of the site in terms of the width of the road and the footpaths would make installation impossible.

"Also, research has demonstrated that low-usage crossings can be more dangerous than not having a crossing there at all, given that drivers get so used to the light being green that they effectively stop taking notice of the signals.

"We have installed a lot of works in response to Mr Ravenhill’s concerns, including dropped kerbs at every junction along the road to aid those with mobility issues, as well as additional signing to warn drivers that vulnerable people may be crossing the road.

"However, unless there are dramatic changes in the criteria governing crossing installations or in the amount of traffic and pedestrians along the road, we have no more options available to us."

A MAN has been sacked for failing to collect fares from a band who staged an impromptu concert on his bus.

Some members of the Frumptarn Guggen Band - along with a band they had invited over from Germany - caught the 66 Stagecoach bus to Worsbrough Mill where they were due to play.

It's understood that due to 'time constraints', the driver didn't collect the £1.50 from each passenger.

During the journey, the musicians entertained passengers with their music until they got off.

However, it appears that one passenger made a complaint about the band not having to pay a fare - which resulted in the driver being called into the office.

The driver, a family man who does not wish to be named, was sacked despite offering to pay the musicians' fares himself.

Rupert Cox, the commercial director for Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: "Stagecoach's policy sets out that our bus drivers are responsible for ensuring all passengers have a valid ticket for travel.

"On this occasion, unfortunately, the correct procedure wasn't followed."

The Frumptarn Guggen Band's conductor, Keith Ramskill, said it seemed like a harsh action for the bus company to take.

"Having so many people we thought it easier to take public transport," he said. "It's quite usual for us to play and sing like this, we travel on trains and play and sing.

"What a shame a lovely afternoon for almost everyone was spoiled by this. I'm surprised anyone complained as they seemed to enjoy the bands.

"We offered to pay the fare and we would like to repeat this offer to Stagecoach if they would reinstate this very kind man."

A BARNSLEY woman's death is still shrouded in mystery after being exhumed from her grave.

Sharon Taylor, of Dodworth, died aged 34 in November 2011. A pathologist said the cause of her death was 'unascertained'.

Concerned relatives contacted the police and her body was then exhumed for a further post-mortem after witnesses claimed that, four days before she died, Miss Taylor and her partner Alan Trewhella, 49, had had an argument.

At the subsequent inquest, it emerged that when pathologists examined Miss Taylor's body again, a cracked rib was found.

Taylor's partner has been interviewed by the police on two occasion since his partner's death but no charges have been brought. Mr Trewhella said he could offer no explanation for the broken rib but denied assault and said he was ‘in no way to blame’.

Dr Charles Wilson, a forensic pathologist, said the post-mortem examination carried out at Barnsley Hospital was 'very thorough' and said the broken rib could have been caused by a blow to the chest. There were no drugs or alcohol in the body and no signs of strangulation or suffocation. 

He confirmed the cause of death was ‘unascertained’. Five other pathologists examined the body but none were able to explain why she had died.

After the pathologists failed to find a cause of death, Assistant Deputy Coroner Donald Coutts-Wood recorded a narrative verdict and said: "It remains clearly something of a mystery."

A TEENAGER who had cannabis and ketamine on him was chased after stealing a bike from outside a supermarket, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Reece Coles, 18, was pursued by the owner who had left it at a branch of Tesco Express, said James Gelsthorpe, prosecuting.

Coles, of Radcliffe Road, Athersley North, admitted stealing the bicycle, possession of cannabis and ketamine and three charges of failing to attend court.

Philip Howard, defending, said Coles had been taking cannabis and ketamine since he was 15 and needed help and guidance.

Coles was given a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for a year and ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.

A MUM whose 32-year-old brother died from a heart attack has done a skydive in his memory.

Maria Bennie, 32, was inspired to jump out of a plane to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) after losing her brother John last year.

His sudden death had a huge impact on the family. Maria, of Lobwood, Worsbrough Bridge, went on to raise both awareness and funds for the BHF and has so far helped pull in over £2,500.

Her two children came to support her on the day of her jump in Hibaldstow, Lincolnshire. Nicole, 11, and Jordan, 12, now can't wait until they're old enough to do their own skydive.

She said: "Skydiving was a big challenge for me, but by taking the leap I will help the BHF continue their lifesaving work. I know my brother would have been proud of me."

A DOCTOR at Barnsley Hospital has been given an award for his 'exceptional' teaching of medical students for the second year in a row.

Dr Michael Moussa, associate specialist in paediatrics, was presented with the 'outstanding clinical teacher award' at the University of Sheffield's Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Graduation Ceremony.

The award is voted for by medical students at the university and Dr Moussa won the vote for providing the highest quality teaching to students placed at Barnsley Hospital - one of the university's associate teaching hospitals.

"I'm delighted and honoured to be granted this award again," Dr Moussa said.

Students said Dr Moussa was inspiring, had supported them through close engagement and was an excellent role model, enabling them to feel part of the medical team. They said he creates an environment in which students felt empowered to engage with medicine.

Dr Jugnu Mahajan, medical director at Barnsley Hospital, said: "This is a fantastic achievement and we would all like to congratulate Dr Moussa. To win the award once is difficult but to win it twice in a row is something quite special.

"Dr Moussa is an inspiration to his students and has shown he consistently provides teaching of the highest quality."

Barnsley Hospital provides placements to approximately 434 student doctors a year and has consistently got excellent feedback on its quality of teaching.

A HERITAGE group is appealing for the public's support after funding was rejected for a railway station and mining memorial to be built.

Elsecar Heritage Railway - which is to be renamed Coalfields Memorial Railway - is appealing for residents to sign a petition after its funding application to Biffa Awards was rejected - due to a perceived lack of public support.

Railway chairman Del Tilling, 62, said the group hopes to secure £50,000 to complete its steam railway by the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the 1984-85 miners' strike on March 26.

The line currently runs a mile-and-a-half from Elsecar Heritage Centre to Tingle Bridge Lane in Hemingfield but the group wants to extend the line another mile to Cortonwood. Since the installation of a level crossing at Tingle Bridge, the track has been slowly creeping towards its target, though this has been delayed by the bird nesting season.

"We want to say thank you for 300 years of coal mining and the memorial garden would provide people with a history of mining in this area, not just Cortonwood," Del said.

"It would also commemorate the sacrifices made by miners - including the 1866 Barnsley Oaks disaster and the 11 who died during the miners' strike.

"It's important because so much of the area's mining heritage has been erased from the maps, but we think this is of national importance because the whole of Britain was changed as a result of what happened at Cortonwood in 1984. It was a watershed moment for the country."

Residents can sign a petition at Elsecar Heritage Centre and the group will also be starting an online e-petition in due course.

BARNSLEY'S residents are being asked for their views on the police's stop and search powers.

The consultation is part of ongoing work by Shaun Wright, the Police and Crime Commissioner, to ensure the highest standards of policing.

"Stop and search is an important tool in the armoury of the police to combat crime and to catch offenders," Mr Wright said.

"But for years there have been concerns about whether police forces use the powers appropriately, proportionately and fairly."

Mr Wright wants to understand how local people feel and to hear about experiences from those stopped and searched.

Results from the consultation, which finishes on September 17, will be sent to the Home Office for review and to potentially revise how police forces use the powers in the future.

For more information, click here.

What do you think of the police's stop and searches? Have your say below.

A YEAR-OLD business support programme in Barnsley has helped create more than 400 jobs in the borough since its launch.

The Enterprising Barnsley programme is expected to generate 550 jobs by June 2015, but has already led to 402 new posts - well ahead of its target.

Funded by European money, the programme works by offering free coaching to eligible businesses.

Since the launch of phase two of the programme in April 2012, 279 companies have been supported - and nearly half of them have created new jobs.

Among them is VC Electronics, which manufactures circuit boards for anything from cars and boats to street lights and tracking devices.

The company has taken over part of a former rival firm and has taken on ten of its staff, as well as a further five people, at its factory in Goldthorpe, bringing the total number of staff to 33.

Pat Cummins, managing director, said: "Enterprising Barnsley’s support has been invaluable. I have been in business for 15 years and during that time I have been approached by a lot of organisations that say they can help, but so often you get nothing out of it.

"There's been very little that's really worked until I came across Enterprising Barnsley. Their help is really practical and not just ticking boxes."

The work of Enterprising Barnsley phase two builds on the success of phase one, which ran between 2009 and 2012. Phase one supported the creation of 630 new jobs and the protection of 397 posts.

Cllr Roy Miller, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for development, environment and culture, said: "This shows that with the right support businesses can survive and even thrive in tough economic times.

"The fact that businesses in Barnsley have created more than 400 jobs since April last year is testament to not just Enterprising Barnsley, but also the initiative and hard-working attitude of people in the borough."

A LOCKE Park voluntary group want to track down a young lad who helped them raise money to save the park's tower in time for the landmark's grand reopening.

Friends of Locke Park are looking for William Nixon Bell, who lived in Athersley North at the time he did a sponsored walk, cycle, swim and horse ride to raise money for the tower's restoration.

Mandy Stuart, a member of the group for four years, said: "Some years ago there was a young lad who was in the Chronicle at the time because he did a lot of fundraising for the tower appeal.

"We're planning to reopen the tower on September 14 and we really want William to be there.

"We need him there and he deserves to be there for all he did. We do not want him to think we have forgotten about him. Hopefully he will still be in Barnsley."

The tower, which is 70 feet high, was built in 1877 as a memorial to Joseph Locke's wife, Phoebe. It's the highest point in the town but was shut in the early 1990s because of its dangerous state.

Essential works to open it to the public began in June, costing £80,000, and concentrated on tackling health and safety issues and ensuring safe access for the public to the first floor balcony of the stone tower.