WORSBROUGH's much-loved after school activities for children have been revived, following their closure due to council cutbacks.

The out of hours sessions in Worsbrough Library ended in April and two staff were made redundant after the council axed the service to encourage "a more diverse range of community groups" to the library.

The after school sessions were attended by more than 20 children, aged eight to 16.

Now, after much red tape and meetings, Worsbrough councillors have taken over and paid £9,000 from their ward budget of £20,000 to restart them. The two staff will also stay, having become self-employed. One, Alison Andrews, had worked at Worsbrough Library for 11 years.

She said: "I like working with the children and in the library and the out of hours activities are a good service for the library to have.

"It's important for the kids to have somewhere to go with people they know. They couldn't wait to come back."

Children regularly attend the Worsbrough sessions from schools as far afield as Ardsley and Penistone. Activities include homework, computer skills, crafts and reading and writing.

The service runs from 3.30pm to 5.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and on Saturday mornings.

Children will now pay 50p to attend a session which will help towards costs. The charge includes a drink and a biscuit.

A COUNCILLOR has said his constituents have waited long enough for the work on the regeneration of Goldthorpe to begin.

Cllr Ralph Sixsmith's previous post was as chairman of Renaissance Market Towns, who were the first to discuss potential changes with residents.

After more consulting and hold-ups, the project is finally starting to gather pace.

The masterplan was drawn up with the help of Renaissance Market Towns back in 2005 but the consultation period has lasted until just recently. 

Now all of the 107 properties in the targeted area, including those on Main Street, have been acquired by compulsory purchase order and all of the homes will have been knocked down by the end of next month.

All that needs to be tied up now are the bits of land included within the proposed site, which will contain a replacement Goldthorpe Primary School, and is a big part of the overall plan to regenerate the whole town centre.

Part of the problem has been finding out who some of the land actually belonged to but talks are underway with Lord Halifax, who also owns land in Hickleton, and other private land owners to resolve that issue.

"All the houses will be demolished by the end of July," said Cllr Sixsmith. "Then it will be a case of 'watch this space' for what funding we can get as a match, who we can get involved and what we can get involved with," he said.

"We have been consulted to death for four or five years and had all sorts of different focus groups looking at the complete infrastructure, the housing, the clean and green, the safe routes to work and the general infrastructure of Goldthorpe as it stands now.

"The people of Goldthorpe shouldn't have had this for this many years. The government pulled the monies from Yorkshire Forward, who in turn funded Renaissance Market Town so that's where the money went."

The removal of the homes will also allow for more social housing.

"We have pulled quite a bit of money in and we're still looking for funding under housing renewal. We're working with Keepmoat to do a lot of the clean and green on house insulation and new boilers," Cllr Sixsmith added.

A MAN has been given a suspended jail sentence for flouting a driving ban - just five days after it was imposed.

Paul Hague, 52, took a chance because he felt lonely after splitting up from his wife, Barnsley Magistrates' Court was told.

Hague, who was seen driving from a pub about 100 yards from his home in Hough Lane, Wombwell, was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for a year.

Jack Danaher, defending, said Hague, who suffers from severe arthritis, had been drinking too much and wanted to go out because he was on his own.

Mr Danaher said: "He decided to take a risk only a few days after being banned from driving.

"He would be vulnerable if he was sent straight to prison because of his health. He feels isolated and a second driving ban would be a severe punishment.

"He was stopped by police coming out the car park of a pub 100 yards away from where he lives."

Deputy District Judge Margaret McCormack said she was imposing the suspended sentence because she was 'heartened' that Hague was getting help about his drinking.

Hague was banned from driving for three years, ordered to undergo 12 months of supervision, had to pay £85 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

He admitted driving while banned, drink driving, having no insurance and breaching a 12-month conditional discharge.

IT may have just opened but some of the stone paving in the top section of the new square outside Barnsley Town Hall will be taken up.

Because of time factors and having already had several events scheduled, it was always planned to temporarily complete the square for the official June 27 opening date.

The top section of paving was only laid on sand and was always intended to be lifted before the paving is finally permanently set in place.

Have you been down to the gardens since its opening? What do you think? Have your say below.

A TEENAGER shaved her head at her school's prom to raise money for the charity which supported her throughout her brother's cancer ordeal.

Caitlin Padgett, 16, took the brave decision to shave off her hair after brother Nathan, 12, underwent three years of chemotherapy treatment for leukaemia.

With the support of her family and friends, Caitlin's hair was shaved at Horizon Community College's prom at Brooklands last Tuesday.

Caitlin said she wanted to do it for a couple of years and raise lots of money for Parents Association for Children with Tumours and Leukaemia, the charity which supported her family.

Mum Tracy, 48, said it was a difficult time for both Nathan and Caitlin, and Caitlin got lots of support from PACT.

Caitlin also has a good friend who suffers from alopecia and has required a wig in the past and the longest lengths of her hair will be donated to the The Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair.

Tracy said: "We're really proud that she's decided to do this. Hair is something that's quite important to girls, especially when they're growing up. Not many 16-year-old girls would shave their heads, let alone at their school prom.

"It's difficult for siblings to cope, and apart from anything else, he's her little brother. She's spent a lot of time being pulled from pillar to post."

Caitlin has set herself a target of £1,000 and has already raised £800.

For more information, click here.

COUNCILLOR Phil Davies has been suspended by the Labour Party after he was arrested following an altercation with a neighbour.

Cllr Davies, who represents the Old Town ward and sits on the planning board, was suspended on Wednesday.

A spokeswoman for the police said a Barnsley man was arrested on suspicion of displacing a residential occupier. He was later released on bail, pending further enquiries.

A Labour spokesman said: "In light of allegations made against Cllr Philip Davies, he has been suspended by the Labour Party with immediate effect pending results of the investigation."

AT least 240 jobs will be created at a new Sainsbury's in Barnsley.

The supermarket chain has exchanged contracts with B&Q to redevelop the DIY retailer's store on Bleachcroft Way, Stairfoot.

Business at the store is currently restricted to the sale of DIY products but subject to Barnsley Council lifting that restriction, the main building will be converted to a Sainsbury's.

Sainsbury's says at least 240 new jobs will be created by the proposed redevelopment.

Grant Anderson, the divisional director for B&Q east, said: "We have been in Barnsley for 32 years and it's with regret that we announce our intention to close the store.

"As our Dearne Valley store at the Cortonwood Retail Park is nearby, we believe we're well set to continue to serve our customers in Barnsley after the current store on Bleachcroft Way has closed.

"We're committed to working with Sainsbury's to do everything possible to minimise the impact of the closure for our employees."

Sainsbury's has informed Barnsley Council of its intentions for the proposed store, which has a sales area of 72,000 sq ft.

The supermarket will now consult with local people over the proposals, prior to submitting a planning application to lift the retail restriction on the building and make other changes needed, before opening the new store.

Bruno Moore, head of town planning for Sainsbury's, said: "We're very excited about the possibility of opening a new store in Barnsley and playing a big role in the local community."

THE public’s views on Barnsley Council's transport services will soon be compared with others across England, thanks to the National Highways and Transport Public Satisfaction survey.

Barnsley Council is one of 70 local authorities to sign up to the survey that will ask the public the exact same questions.

For the sixth year the survey will be run after months of hard work, between the National Highways and Transport Network (NHT) and a regional Highways Service Improvement Group.

The questionnaire will be sent to 4,500 Barnsley residents throughout July, with results expected to be compared and then published in the early autumn.

Anyone who receives a survey is urged to take part, as more partipants creates more accurate results and for the first time this year, you will have the option to complete the survey on line if they prefer.

"There are clear benefits to conducting a public survey in this way," said Cllr Roy Miller. "As well as providing excellent value for money, it also enables everyone involved to identify areas of best practice and spot national, regional and local trends.

"This is not about producing a league table to champion one geographical area over another, it's about understanding customer views better and working together to deliver the best possible outcomes for local residents."

A POLICE officer was shot in the hand after a three-hour incident near Barnsley town centre on Sunday night.

Officers were called to an address on Cutty Lane about 10.30pm on Sunday. When police arrived, they found the man in possession of an air weapon.

The firearm was discharged on a number of occasions while the man was contained on nearby School Street, with one officer sustaining a minor hand injury.

Trained negotiators arrived at the scene and just after 1.30am, the man was arrested and nobody else was injured.

The incident was contained quickly by police with no immediate risk to the public but officers would like to thank local people for their patience and cooperation while the situation was resolved.

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 three-kilometre stretch, Wortley

A633 Rotherham Road, Athersley South

A633 Rotherham Road, Monk Bretton

B6096 two-kilometre stretch, Wombwell to Snape Hill

B6411 Houghton Road, Thurnscoe

Brierley Road, Grimethorpe

Pogmoor Road, Barnsley

A6023 Doncaster Road, Mexborough

A6022 Rowms Lane, Swinton

A633 Sandygate, Wath-upon-Dearne

Melton Green, West Melton

Pontefract Road, Brampton.

BARNSLEY'S oldest shop is 550 years old and has joined a neighbouring church to celebrate with a medieval fair.

Church Street-based Micassa has beams dating back to no later than 1463 - 29 years before Christopher Columbus discovered the 'New World' of the Americas.

The florist and gift shop has teamed up with St Mary's Church to hold a joint medieval fair. The church is also celebrating completion of refurbishment works.

Micassa is run by Debby Rhodes and her husband Ian, of Staincross, who took over two years ago.

Ian said: "Samples of the beams in the shop showed the timber had come from a storage yard. It indicates there was a building trade presence in the town even that far back."

English Heritage has also been involved in a refurbishment of the shop and found an ancient gaming token, known as a gambit. The building, said Ian, should be listed but had somehow slipped through the net.

He said: "I get comments every day of the week about its age and history."

The medieval fair starts at midday on June 29 at St Mary's Church and features a hog roast, medieval crafts, Yorkshire cider and prizes for the best costumes.

THE future of the brewery which made the original Barnsley Bitter is still uncertain, as its site awaits a buyer.

The 54-acre Pontefract Road site, owned by the firm RBNB, has been up for sale for more than a month.

Remaining staff at the brewery, including managing director Lynne Booth, are waiting "in limbo" to see what develops. Meanwhile, the buildings on the large site are falling into disrepair with the old brewhouse propped up by scaffolding.

Ms Booth was reluctant to discuss the future of the business in case it jeopardised any potential deals.

Other businesses who rented units on the site had a deadline of June 2 to get out and Ms Booth said one - a plastics company - were having difficulty finding alternative units for the right price.

POLICE have charged a 43-year-old man with assault after his alleged drunken and abusive behaviour at Barnsley Hospital.

The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday morning when paramedics brought the drunken man into A&E for observations.

As a healthcare assistant was trying to examine him, he allegedly lashed out twice, hitting the assistant on the arm. He then continued to be abusive and aggressive towards staff in the A&E department, in full view of other sick and injured people.

Police officers were called and the man was arrested after he continued to abuse officers and staff at the hospital.

He was later charged with assault and is due to appear at Barnsley Magistrates' Court on July 9.

PETER Wilkinson - who has battled brain cancer twice before the age of 27 - is hoping that a scan in July will continue to remain cancer free.

Peter, of Hawthorne Street, was the winner of a Proud of Barnsley award in 2012, taking top place in the Triumph Over Adversity category.

He had been fighting a tumour since May 2007 and had undergone radiotherapy and nine months of chemotherapy.

He was given the all clear but then in October 2012 he relapsed and had to undergo major surgery for another brain tumour. It resulted in the loss of his sense of smell and taste.

In January, he had a further one-off treatment with GammaKnife - gamma radiation - which has been working.

"My next scan is in July and I'm hoping the tumour is dead and that I'm cancer free," he said.

Peter, 27, is a film editor at jimmyteens.tv, a video site for young people with cancer to share their experiences. He has made 44 mini films and most recently has been working on one about his own experiences called the Relapse Diaries.

"Life is quite good at the minute. I haven't let the cancer stop me."

Peter said that one of the ways he copes is through 'tumour humour.'

"It's about finding humour in places where you don't think there is any," he said. "Everyone has their own way of getting through, but I stay positive."

He added that he had been on holiday to Turkey due to the good news from his previous scan, and had also booked another trip to St Lucia in anticipation of good news from his scan in July.

"You accept that you're going through a tough time, but you still try and reach your goals."

IT'S been another promising week for the Reds as they have secured a bunch of players on longer contracts.

After last week's signings of Chris O'Grady from Sheffield Wednesday and Dale Jennings from Bayern Munich, boss David Flitcroft turned his attention to securing the services of some of his most important performers from last season.

First up was Tomasz Cywka, who signed a one-year extension. Cywka, who made 33 appearances last season, scored five league goals including a vital equaliser against Burnley.

"I'm happy to have signed," the 24-year-old said. "The second half of last season showed just what we're capable of and I'm looking forward to the new season.

"The way we played when David took over, especially against the top sides and the quality we showed, was the major factor in me wanting to stay here.

"I've never been part of something as crazy and special as what I experienced last season and especially the last game which gave a special feeling to what we accomplished.

"Most of the players from last season have stayed and we will be looking to start this season off in the way we played the second half of last season."

The Polish midfielder was at times instrumental in the Reds' miraculous survival last season and his boss is delighted with his decision to stay.

"He knows us and we know him and he knows what we need and what the fans want," Flicker said. "He probably didn't get as many games as he would have liked last season because we had to change our system, but he is a model professional.

"His conduct is impeccable and his support to the group is unbelievable and I'm delighted to have secured him for Barnsley. He has one of the best work ethics in the club."

Fans' favourite Bobby Hassell was next up to sign a new deal. Also accepting a one-year contract, the veteran will be playing his tenth season at Oakwell.

Having already made 295 appearances for the Reds, Hassell will now surely break into the 300 appearance club. 

The defender, who recently became a father for the fourth time, said: "I’m really happy I’ve been able to sign a new contract. I’m happy with the deal and I’m looking forward to the start of the new season.

Adding to Barnsley's defence, Martin Cranie also signed, this time on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old defender, who began his career at Southampton, made 41 appearances for Barnsley last season.

"I am absolutely delighted to sign a new contract at Barnsley," the former England Under-21 international said. "There was never any doubt that I would be coming back.

"The end to last season will be in everyone's minds for a long time. I don’t think you will see anything like that again. I’ve watched it back a few times and I still can’t believe it happened.

"Coming in today the lads seem very up for the season already - it’s the same sort of vibe that we ended last season. Hopefully we can get a big crowd in."

Then, just as we were all fearing that Luke Steele would leave, he too signed on the dotted line. 

The 28-year-old made his debut for Barnsley in February 2008 against Liverpool. The dramatic FA Cup match saw him win the Player of the Round award. To date he has made 177 appearances between the sticks for the Reds.

We reported here just a matter of weeks ago that he was all set to leave, after being initially offered a one-year extension. 

The writing was seemingly on the wall as David Flitcroft revealed he was on the verge of bringing in a young goalkeeper from Europe. He also said that he 'completely trusts' Ben Alnwick to step up to number one, should Steele have departed.

Flitcroft said: "If Luke was 22 then we'd offer him a two-year or three-year deal, but age is a critical thing and we don't know what our budget will be after this season so we have to plan carefully."

A public outcry ensued but on June 26, the Reds announced that the star goalkeeper had accepted a revised two-year contract.

"Seeing the signings of all the players that did so well last season was important to me," said Luke. "It gives real stability. Often at the end of a season I have been used to a lot of players going out and new ones coming in, but this year it hasn’t been the case.

"I think it’s very important to get that level of consistency which we have now. It feels like we can carry on where we left off from last season. 

"I didn’t ever see myself leaving, although other clubs were interested. There's only one club that I support and that is Barnsley.

"Everything feels so positive at the club just at the moment which is great."

So, another positive pre-season week for the club. Are you happy with the way it's going? The players and staff sound very positive about the coming season.

BRAVE ladies from an amateur theatre group will bare all when a stage version of a popular film arrives in Penistone.

Razzmatazz Adults take to the stage for a four-day run of Calendar Girls, which focuses on a women's institute's attempt to raise funds for a local hospital by posing for a nude calendar following the death of a member's husband.

Director Louise, 37, said: "It's an absolutely fantastic story and really bitter sweet.

"It's funny and you laugh a lot but there are times when you cry as well. It's a lovely feel-good production despite the fact it all started because of something so sad."

Having already run at the Lamproom, the production raised more than £2,000 for the Leukaemia Research Fund through the sale of calendars, and the items will also be available for purchase in Penistone.

A MUSIC festival held at a Stairfoot pub has raised over £12,000 for three local charities.

Keelfest, held at the Keel Inn, smashed the previous year's record of £8,249,

They handed over £12,578.75 to Barnsley Hospice, with the rest being distributed to Darcy's Days, to raise money for a little girl with an inoperable brain tumour, and Team Ebonie, for another little girl, Ebonie Webb, who is also battling a brain tumour.

Shane Bristow, from the Keelfest committee, said: "We're all amazed at the result, never in our wildest dreams would we think that we could top last year's total.

"But we did and it's all thanks to the lovely people of Barnsley who turned out to make Keelfest 2013 one of the best days of the year."

BARNSLEY Council's ruling cabinet has responded to suggestions on how it can improve Barnsley's transport infrastructure and ensure development land is used to 'best effect'.

The recommendations were made by the economy and skills scrutiny commission which looked at whether Barnsley has the right transport infrastructure and development sites needed to attract major new employers to the borough.

The council's cabinet has released a report outlining its responses to the commission's investigation.

With regards to concerns raised about greenbelt land being used for development, the cabinet said all potential employment sites are assessed for suitability prior to being included.

And it agreed that existing 'brownfield' sites be fully exploited in order to minimise the impact of future development on greenbelt.

The commission said traffic levels in Barnsley are increasing and are expected to continue to rise so locals should be encouraged to use 'sustainable travel options' such as walking, cycling and public transport where possible.

The cabinet report states budgets in Barnsley have been allocated to key bus route improvements, walking and cycling, and travel planning.

Recent grants had provided investment in bus route improvements and walking and cycling in the Dearne, provided a new bus accessing ASOS at Grimethorpe, and doubled the frequency of the X19 bus between Barnsley and Doncaster.

Further walking and cycling routes are planned for Barnsley town centre and in Hoyland/Elsecar, and the final phase of the Elsecar Park and Ride at Elsecar railway station is due to start.

New walking and cycling routes at Carlton Community College and Shafton ALC have been installed, and similar improvements were made at Horizon Community College and Netherwood at Wombwell.

It said studies carried out at Carlton Community College show cycling increased from one per cent to nine per cent in the first year of the routes being in place.

OPERATION Muzzle was a year-long police operation which brought drug traffickers to justice.

Led by Barnsley's DCI Mark Wilkie, it relentlessly pursued gangs across Europe, the USA and Mexico via bugged cars and phones and meticulous evidence gathering.

Thirty officers from South Yorkshire worked via the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) to track the traffickers. Some officers travelled to Tucson, Arizona, where they worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agency.

"The trafficking was like a military operation," said DCI Wilkie. "They're very organised and some of these people thought they were untouchable.

"But no matter how clever or organised, we're still able to detect, arrest and convict those involved in this high level of crime."

Dutch police helped in arrests and surveillance in Holland, and the DEA in the United States prised information out of Mexico. The Metropolitan Police and forces in Hertfordshire and Derbyshire were also involved.

One gang, which heavily featured Barnsley businessman Richard Stead, was bringing cocaine from Mexico and Eastern Europe into Heathrow, concealed in machine parts. These were broken down and the cocaine removed at an industrial unit in the town.

Stead was found guilty of conspiracy to supply drugs. His accomplice, Frank Babar, 47, of Surrey, was found guilty of conspiracy to evade the prohibition on the importation of cocaine, while Marco Martin Russo, 41, from London, was acquitted of the same charge. Babar was found guilty of a second charge of conspiracy to conceal the proceeds of crime.

He said the investigation resulting in convictions was a "fantastic" achievement. "It's good to unravel serious and organised crime that was happening in Barnsley unseen by the majority of people."

EXPERIENCE Barnsley flung open its doors on Thursday afternoon and welcomed its first visitors.

The all-new museum, which is based at the Town Hall, attracted hundreds to the venue, despite the rain attempting to dampen their spirits. Barnsley-born Capital FM presenter Simon Hirst counted down to the 2pm opening.

As it's been dubbed as the people's musuem, the ceremonial opening involved the town's people. Organisers cleverly arranged a giant ribbon to go around the crowd and each person cut it when Hirsty counted down from ten to mark its opening.

Diana Terris, Barnsley Council's chief executive, said: "It's absolutely fantastic. Local people have embraced it and even given up their historical artefacts. There's a sheer sense of pride in the town."

The free attraction, which spans two floors, will be open seven days a week and be free to enter.

Cllr Steve Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council said: "Experience Barnsley will be great fun for the whole family. Whether you’re interested in football, fashion, our industrial story or how our stone-age ancestors lived, there will be something for everyone.

Dickie Bird, who's contributed a couple of things including a bronze bust and the ball used in the 1975 Cricket World Cup final, said: "I'm very impressed. It's tremendous - I think people will be flocking here.

"It really does take a few visits to take everything in. My dad was a miner from 13 years of age so I was interested in the history of that part of our town.  

"It's fantastic. It'll bring the town lots of visitors and I'll look forward to seeing its success."

Did you attend the launch? Have you been in? What do you think?

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a female pedestrian died in a traffic collision in the Stairfoot area of Barnsley.

Shortly after 9am on June 27, a red/white Scania goods vehicle is understood to have stopped on Grange Lane towards the Stairfoot roundabout to allow a black vehicle to emerge from Doncaster Road.

The pedestrian walked down Doncaster Road and crossed Grange Lane in front of the goods vehicle, heading towards the Black Bull public house. The goods vehicle has then set off and been in collision with the woman in the carriageway, trapping her underneath the vehicle.

The pedestrian, a 35-year-old local woman, suffered fatal head injuries from the collision and died at the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to call South Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 246 of Thursday 27 June.

PLANS have been announced to build 20 new homes and redevelop historic farm buildings on a site close to Penistone Grammar School.

If proposals are approved, four two-bedroom houses, seven three-bedroom houses and nine houses with four-plus bedrooms could be built at Nether Mill Farm, off Barnsley Road.

The project would also include the part demolition of Nether Mill House, a grade II listed property, and the conversion of a listed barn.

Details included in the application state the part of the house to be demolished was constructed in the 1970s, which the applicants describe as a 'badly-built rear extension that detracts from the listed building'.

Comments on the proposal can be made until Tuesday July 2.

THE budget for the much-criticised HS2 railway has increased by nearly £10bn to more than £40bn, the transport minister has said.

Patrick McLoughlin told MPs that the new projected cost of £42.6bn, up from £33bn, would include a large contingency fund.

He said the final cost could be lower than the new estimate, but said revising the figure was right.

The new high-speed railway line is intended to link London to Birmingham by 2026, with branches to Manchester and Leeds, via Sheffield and through Barnsley, planned by 2032.

The first phase budget is now £21.4bn, with £21.2bn budgeted for phase two. These figures include a contingency fund of £12.7bn across the scheme.

ANGRY residents have made a formal complaint to the Ombudsman over plans to build on a former school site.

Roystone resident Sam Morgan, 59, sent the objection this week after approval was given to proposals to build on the former Royston High School site.

The plans include a new supermarket, petrol station and more than 140 new homes.

He originally wrote to the watchdog in April but was told he had first to complain to Barnsley Council before the Ombudsman could be notified.

Sam said the vast majority of people do not want the development.

He said he believed the council-owned plot is worth £7million and previously said villagers thought the plans had been approved to make money.

A supermarket will have a negative impact on businesses, he says, and believes Midland Road is too narrow to deal with an increase in traffic.

Plans were given the go-ahead by the council in February, but Sam believes a letter of objection from Asda in Royston was not properly considered. He said it was submitted just before proposals were accepted.

"There was no way that letter could have been fully digested in the time span the council had to accept it and put the plans through," he said.

"They've just saddled Royston with something it doesn't want."

In February up to 300 letters of objection were collected by Royston councillors and presented to Barnsley Council.

Do you live in Royston? What do you think? Are you in favour of the proposed development?

A SHOPPER claims he's been banned from a town centre store for telling a young shop assistant that 'she looked nice'.

Owen Morris was booted out of Iceland in the Alhambra Centre for the seemingly innocent comment last month.

But the store manager suggested the customer's remarks were far more serious, although the company refused to provide an official comment.

Mr Morris said: "It's a very trivial reason, all I did was make social chat.

"I've been stabbed in the back for doing nothing but being nice.

"It's political correctness, or feminism, gone mad. All I've given that shop is my custom."

The 43-year-old claims to have asked the female assistant, who he estimated was in her early 20s, if she was watching the FA Cup final later that day, Saturday May 11, before complimenting her appearance.

He says the shop manager then approached him and said he was no longer welcome at the store.

Mr Morris can, however, continue to shop at the other Barnsley branch of Iceland, on Peel Street, where he says he has a 'good rapport' with staff, even sending one a birthday card.

A WOMAN has died after a lorry hit her.

Officers were called at 9.05am on June 27 to reports of a road traffic collision on Grange Lane.

It is believed that a large goods vehicle collided with a woman which has resulted in fatal injuries.

The road between Stairfoot roundabout and Cundy Cross roundabout is currently closed and is expected to stay closed into early afternoon.

If anyone witnessed the incident they are urged to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 246 of 27 June 2013.

Further details will follow as soon as they are available.

VISA problems are in danger of putting off Chinese tourists from visiting Barnsley, it has been claimed.

The town was the birthplace of 19th century missionary James Hudson Taylor and next year is the 150th anniversary of the launch of his mission in China, where he is hailed as a spiritual leader by more than 70 million people.

Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Owen Gleadall said he was expecting a large number of Chinese tourists as a result.

But he said it was difficult for the Chinese to gain access to the United Kingdom and said he asked MP Dan Jarvis to take it up.

Mr Jarvis said: "It's clear the UK is struggling to compete with our European competitors when it comes to attracting tourists from China. This is in part because of our complicated and bureaucratic visa procedures.

"It’s good the government has made some minor steps to streamline the visa process in China, but these will mainly benefit business users rather than tourists. We need to be more ambitious than this.

"Of course we need to defend our security and very tightly control immigration, but making the visa process a bureaucratic nightmare is surely not the best way to do that.

"We should look carefully at our visa procedures and be innovative in finding ways to ease the way while not compromising security.

"In short, if there are high-spending Chinese tourists who want to come to Barnsley and spend their money, we need to allow that to happen."

A MAN is rounding up supporters in and around Barnsley, Wombwell and Darfield for a charity skydive in aid of Darcy Burke.

Self-employed metal fabricator Mark Haywood, 28, is organising the 13,000 ft jump - the highest possible for a tandem skydive - to raise funds for the five-year-old.

Darcy has pontine glioma, a rare brain stem tumour which is inoperable because of its position. She is having radiotherapy and chemotherapy to extend her life expectancy.

Mark, from Darfield, but now living in Swinton, said: "We have about 15 guys signed up to do the jump at Scunthorpe and I'm aiming to get about 20.

"Everyone will pay for their own jump, which will be over £200 each, and that will go to Darcy."

The jump takes place on September 7 and anyone who wants to get involved can phone Mark on 07946 541443.

A KINDHEARTED car driver spent more than an hour in rain and dark conditions caring for a young crash victim who was without a mobile phone.

Jane Lazenby pulled over on South Lane, between Cawthorne and Hoylandswaine, after spotting the injured motorist late last Thursday.

The unknown man, who was on his way home from work at about 10.30pm, said his car had overturned after he tried to avoid a badger, which ran out in front of his vehicle.

Jane, 43, said the hatchback looked to have rolled at least once and the shocked driver, believed to be in his 20s, was shaking and covered in cuts and bruises.

"I think I went into mummy-mode," said Jane. "I wouldn't have wanted him in a panic situation just being left in complete darkness on a quiet country road, where people put their foot down."

Jane, an artist, helped calm the man, who was travelling towards Hoylandswaine, along with his friend, who arrived in a separate vehicle.

She called for roadside assistance and the man was then taken to hospital, after his mother arrived.

"I'm glad I could do something," Jane added. "If that was me and I was by myself, I would hope to God somebody would've have helped me."

RESIDENTS have written to a social housing landlord to complain about the noise being made by members of a religious sect during their early morning prayers.

Learnard Radzokota and his Christian group the Friday Apostles, don white robes and regularly pray and chant in woodland behind a New Lodge estate at 5.30am.

However, some residents on the estate have complained to Mr Radzokota's landlord, Yorkshire Housing, about the disturbance being caused by the prayer ritual.

Learnard, of New Lodge Crescent, said most people wanted to understand more about the Friday Apostles when they were revealed as the mystery worshippers just a matter of weeks ago.

"However, others just wrote letters to Yorkshire Housing saying because of the praying in the wood, and at our house, we need to be removed from our accommodation," he said.

But Learnard - also known as Father Isaiah - said they have little choice but to pray outdoors as they do not have a building to worship in.

"We have been looking been looking for a place in Barnsley where we can congregate but we're struggling to get a permanent place," he said.

"As we don't have a permanent place of worship in Barnsley, we sometimes carry out our early morning prayers in the wilderness.

"In Africa, all our church members carry out their services in the open space, commonly called wilderness, because by praying in the wilderness we are close to nature and God."

Celia Cashman, of Yorkshire Housing, said it firmly supports the right of people to worship in the way they choose.

"However, it was brought to our attention that religious meetings hosted by Mr Radzokota, at his home, had been causing a level of noise which had affected his neighbours at various times of the day.

"We're keen to work with Mr Radzokota and his neighbours to find a compromise which suits both parties.

"We have been trying to help Mr Radzokota find a more suitable venue for his religious meetings, such as a local community centre or a nearby church hall."

AN 11-year-old boy was hit by a car near Kirk Balk School on June 26.

Police were called to West Street, Hoyland, at 3.06pm and closed the road. 

The youngster was hit by a silver Vauxhall Astra and police and ambulances attended. The boy suffered a head injury and a suspected pelvic injury.

More details will be released shortly.

THERE are 15 ongoing investigations into children at risk of sexual exploitation in Barnsley.

DCI Mark Wilkie said the issue of child sexual exploitation came to the fore with cases in Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford where gangs had groomed young girls for sex.

"The general view with regards to Barnsley is we do not have the same issue with this as other areas in South Yorkshire.

"We don't have a massive problem with it, however one of the things we have to be careful with is that while there may not be a visible problem, we cannot take our eyes off the ball and have to look a little deeper."

Child sexual exploitation is a form of abuse where young people are forced or manipulated into sexual activity.

The police say offenders may sometimes get the young person to engage in sexual activity by giving them attention, treats, alcohol, drugs or a place to stay.

In some cases they may even manipulate the young person into believing they're in a consensual relationship and that they love them.

It's a problem that's high on the agenda for the Barnsley force, says DCI Wilkie.

"In Barnsley we have now got a specific detective who looks at child sexual exploitation as a full-time job and that role has come from funding from Commissioner Shaun Wright's budget," he said.

"It's a crime that ruins lives and we're talking about vulnerable people here. It's usually young girls who are vulnerable to this, who find themselves in situations not of their choosing.

"They get sucked into a lifestyle that does them no good and our job is to spot the early signs of this and make interventions and focus on would-be offenders."

While there are no areas in town that are the specific focus of police attention, DCI Wilkie said there are places kids congregate where there might be an issue, such as the interchange, although there is no specific intelligence of this happening 'on a daily basis'.

A MAN who has denied breaking into a house has been remanded in custody after being denied bail.

Liam John Sebastian Hodgson, 33, of Frederick Street, Goldthorpe, is due to be committed to Sheffield Crown Court on July 2.

His solicitor Philip Howard's application for bail with stringent conditions, including reporting to the police three times a week and a curfew, was turned down at Barnsley Magistrates' Court by District Judge John Foster.

Hodgson has admitted handling a stolen copper water tank and pipes and will be committed to crown court for sentencing on the same date.

THERE has been a nine per cent increase in the number of new enquiries being dealt with by the Barnsley Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Figures released by the service for 2012/13 show it dealt with 20,888 people which chief executive Pat Heath said is a 'positive position' compared to the previous year.

The statistics show the number of individual clients seen was up by 21 per cent, and there was a 50 per cent rise in telephone contacts.

To April 2013, compared to the previous year, the service has seen the following increases: a 28 per cent rise in benefits queries (2779); a 25 per cent surge in employment queries (1021); 15 per cent in housing queries (764); and a one per cent increase in debt related queries (9423).

Mr Heath said: "The sad thing is it's a reflection of the situation facing many people in Barnsley in terms of increasing numbers of people in a difficult position.

"There are many people faced with an almost impossible situation due to the squeeze on incomes. People are having to choose between paying housing costs and putting food on the table.

"It is unlikely to improve for many people any time soon.

"The volunteers do sterling work in very difficult circumstances because sometimes people who come in are distressed and the way our advisors respond to that, and the professionalism they display, with no judgement and a strong focus on trying to help individuals overcome the problems they have got, is commendable."

MORE than 27,000 people in Barnsley provide unpaid care each week - the second highest figure in 15 areas across Yorkshire.

Statistics published on June 5 show a total of 27,167 unpaid carers across the borough - only Rotherham has more - with 43 per cent of that figure dedicating more than 20 hours a week to the role.

Trade union GMB wants employers to sign up to a charter which makes it easier for unpaid carers to combine paid work with their caring responsibilities.

Tim Roache, GMB regional secretary, said: "This huge hidden army of unpaid, often voiceless carers saves taxpayers billions every year.

"In many areas there are far more unpaid carers than actual paid care providers in place.

"A radical overhaul of the current approach to paid and unpaid care is needed from society as a whole is required. That includes government and employers, as well as families."

The figures, from the Office for National Statistics, were released ahead of carer's week, which started on Monday.

MANY people turned out for a family fun day in Dodworth as part of celebrations for the unveiling of the village's mining memorial.

The event took place on June 22 at the library on High Street and there were plenty of attractions to keep people busy - and even the sun made a brief appearance.

After the High Street memorial was revealed to the public, which commemorates the men killed at eight Barnsley pits between 1850 and 1987, many people then gathered on the grassed area on High Street to continue the celebrations.

Entertainment on the day included children's fair rides, various stalls, face-painting and Dodworth Colliery Band gave rousing musical renditions to get folk in the mood.

The fun day and unveiling was organised by Dodworth and District Miners' Memorial Fund. The group's secretary, Sandra Birkinshaw, said it was 'a really excellent day' and good for the community.

"While the weather may have held some people back, there was plenty of entertainment on and people had a a good time," she said.