News

POLICE have released an e-fit image of a man officers would like to identify in connection with an indecent exposure in Barnsley.On June 20 2024 at 9.04am on Darton Road in Cawthorne, it is reported that a man indecently exposed himself, verbally abused another man and then attempted to follow the man in a white van.Since the incident was reported, an investigation was launched and officers have followed a number of...

DAN Jarvis MP visited postal workers at Barnsley Delivery Office on Friday to find out more about what it takes to deliver letters and parcels in the peak Christmas period.Christmas is Royal Mail’s busiest period, with around double the normal volume of letters and parcels processed. Dan spoke to Lead Customer Operations Manager Terry Hoult about Royal Mail’s strategy to continue to make sending and receiving parcels as convenient as possible over...

ANYONE who has used local eating disorder services is being encouraged to take part in a survey about their experiences.The South Yorkshire Integrated Care System have set up the survey to better understand the needs and experiences of people accessing eating disorder services.A spokesperson said: “Your input can make a big difference in shaping the support available in the future.“The survey is open to anyone who has experience of...

A TOTAL of 17 people have been arrested for drug offences in just two areas of Barnsley since the start of October.Barnsley North East’s Neighbourhood Policing Team have been cracking down on drug supply in Carlton and Royston following concerns from residents.Two more people were arrested last week.A spokesperson said: “In the early hours of Tuesday morning, response colleagues stopped a vehicle in the Royston area.“A quantity...

RULING cabinet members will meet in March to discuss a requirement for CCTV in Hackney taxi carriages.The council’s licensing officers were successful in their bid to the government’s Transport Innovation Fund, paving the way for free-of-charge cameras to be fitted in order to boost safety for both drivers and passengers.However, following its previous consultation when more than 500 drivers were contacted about the scheme, just 39 responses were received.Of...

THE Labour Party is aiming to build almost 1,000 new houses in Barnsley, new figures have revealed.It is part of an effort to build 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029.New annual housebuilding targets were released earlier this month by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in its response to the National Planning Policy Framework consultation.They show 370,000 new houses are set to be built annually...

AN investigation into the number of fines handed out to pet owners has revealed Barnsley is one of the worst-hit places in the UK for dog fouling.According to a Freedom of Information request, Barnsley ranked 23rd out of more than 300 councils on the national list, with 2,183 fixed-penalty notices dished out since 2018.

HOUSE prices in Barnsley have risen by 1.4 per cent over the last year – putting the town well below the national average.Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the average Barnsley house price in the year to October was £171,641 – a 0.2 per cent increase on September.The picture was different to that across Yorkshire and the Humber, where prices rose by 0.7 per cent.The rise in...

ALMOST 50 complaints were made to Barnsley Council over the last 12 months about illegal wood burning, it has been revealed.A Freedom of Information request shows that 48 complaints were made to the council over the last year.A total of seven letters were sent to residents either warning them or offering guidance.According to government-reviewed evidence, particles pose the greatest risk because they can be drawn deeper into the lungs,...

FUNDING has been secured to deliver a unique support programme.Barnsley Libraries secured £17,330 through a National Lottery grant under their ‘A New Chapter’ initiative.The funding will be used to provide support for menopausal and perimenopausal women in Barnsley.The programme hopes to tackle the stigma around the effects menopause has on mental and physical health.Two forms of support are provided, led by qualified and experienced professionals.Midlife...

SOUTH Yorkshire Fire and Rescue crew manager Jim Lister officially retired earlier this month after 25 years’ service. Jim, who started at Ringinglow Road fire station, also had spells at Dearne station and the service’s training centre. A spokesperson for the service said: “Jim has been a much valued and respected firefighter who will be greatly missed. Wishing you a long and happy retirement, Jim.”

THE largest taxi company in the world has issued a warning to its drivers to not use Hackney taxi ranks in Barnsley.Drivers for Uber have warned their drivers they may face action by Barnsley Council if they use the ranks.A statement from Uber said: “It is illegal to stop and wait at taxi ranks at any times, including for pick-ups or drop-offs, unless you have a Hackney Carriage licence....

MORE than 700 calls were made to the RSPCA’s cruelty line in Wath-upon-Dearne last Christmas Day – and the charity is gearing up for a busy festive period once again.The charity, with its national call centre based in Wath, has released figures which show that they had 25,230 reports made between December 18 last year and January 2, 2024.This means there was on average 158 calls an hour and includes a...

A MOTORIST who is alleged to have posed as a taxi driver in Barnsley town centre despite not being registered will appear in court next month.Mohammed Sajjad Khan, of Bellhouse Road in Sheffield, was allegedly observed by licensing enforcement officers plying for trade on Pitt Street in his Skoda Octavia.The 32-year-old is also charged with not having insurance.He will appear at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on January 16.

MORE penalties were handed out to drivers using phones in South Yorkshire last year, new figures show.The RAC has suggested young people may be more likely to be using devices while behind the wheel.Figures show South Yorkshire Police handed out 808 notices for the offence in 2023, up from 426 the year before.Last year 538 led to a fine, while 245 resulted in a court summons.These figures...

HEALTH bosses have shared guidance for parents and carers on common illnesses that start circulating during the festive period.Illnesses like coughs, sore throats and earache are extremely common in young children, but healthcare leaders are asking parents and carers to think twice before treating them with antibiotics, as they rarely speed up recovery for these conditions, which are most often caused by viral infections.Instead, the Superbodies campaign is sharing a guide...

A MEMORIAL bench dedicated to a police officer who died on duty 30 years ago has been donated to Wombwell police station.In February 1994, PC Gina Rutherford, who was based at Goldthorpe police station in Barnsley, sadly died after her car skidded on ice and fell into the River Dearne. To remember her, a memorial bench was donated to Goldthorpe Library.While the library is currently undergoing a full refurbishment, the...

THE National Lottery has awarded a grant to a community group to help them continue their work for the next three years.As part of the National Lottery Community Fund, Ad Astra Barnsley CIC will receive funding for the next three years to enhance their work in the New Lodge Community Centre for children, young people, their families and the wider community.Michelle Cooper, of the group, said: “The team are ecstatic about...

A LOCAL care home is urging people not to be alone this Christmas – and has invited anyone who is facing spending the day on their own to join them for dinner.Christian Mason, manager of Thornhill House Care Home in Darfield, said: “Anyone alone this Christmas please contact me and come and have your lunch with us.”If you or someone you know would like to join residents on Christmas Day, you...

A BARNSLEY restaurant has been helping a homeless charity this Christmas.Falco Lounge staff visited Action for Homeless Barnsley recently and dropped off lots of food, clothes and toiletries to help towards their efforts not only this Christmas but all year round! A Falco Lounge spokesperson said: “That day they fed 90 people a hot Christmas dinner and provided friendship and warmth to people who might not have that.“Action for Barnsley...

PLANNING permission is being sought to convert the basement of an Old Town corner shop into a new commercial unit.An application was submitted last week for work to take place at the Rowland Express corner shop, on Rowland Road. The basement unit will have its own separate unit at the side of the store.A total of 30 neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date....

OFFICERS on Friday executed a warrant in Barnsley as part of a modern slavery sexual exploitation investigation.A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery concerning sexual exploitation. The warrant was executed at a residential address as part of an investigation launched by specialist officers in the Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Unit in November following the receipt of reports of sexual exploitation taking place at an address in the Arbourthorne...

THE first major stage of a multi-million pound project to transform a historic town centre building into a state-of-the-art technology hub has been completed.Barnsley College’s University Centre, on Church Street in the town centre, is soon to become a regional centre of world-class technical education, housing the College’s South Yorkshire Institute of Technology subjects in engineering, construction and IT/digital.The heart of the project is the new atrium, and a combination of...

A MAN whose cash was seized by South Yorkshire Police is set to appear in court in March.A total of £10,311 was taken from Joshua Barber, of Darton Lane, Mapplewell under the Proceeds of Crime Act.The 29-year-old’s case will next be heard at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on March 19.

THE backlog of crown court cases in South Yorkshire has reached an eight-year high, new figures show.New figures from the Ministry of Justice show there were 1,826 open cases waiting to be heard by crown courts in South Yorkshire as of the end of September.This has more than doubled since September 2019, before the Covid pandemic, when there were 779 cases.It is also the largest backlog since 2016, when...

A NUMBER of local venues have been given new food hygiene ratings.Seven drinking establishments received five stars.Gawber Road WMC, Grimethorpe WMC and Thurnscoe Coronation WMC were three of those which picked up top marks.Red Rum, in Grimethorpe, Barnsley Bowl and Barnsley Gold Sims in Redbrook also scored well. As did The Bridge Inn in Thurgoland.A Barnsley restaurant received a new three-out-of-five rating.Gate of India, based...

PLANNING permission is being sought to build two assisted living residential blocks.An application was submitted to Barnsley Council last week to build the two units, which will consist of 14 apartments between them, between Cromford Avenue and Blackheath Road, Athersley South.The applicants, Lifeways SIL, have been providing specialist support and recovery services since 1995 – and are currently the UK’s largest supported living care specialist.They say that following discussions...

POLICE officers are ramping up their efforts to protect vulnerable individuals with the creation of a new role aimed at tackling child exploitation.The child exploitation co-ordinator, who is expected to be in place by early 2025, will ensure that the issue remains a top priority within Barnsley.The role is designed to ‘provide consistency’ and bolster collaboration in the fight against child criminal exploitation, including the growing threat of so-called county lines...

BARNSLEY South MP Stephanie Peacock spoke in Parliament to mark 25 years of the Coalfield Regeneration Trust recently.The trust, who are based in Wombwell, work across coalfields on improving health, jobs, skills and employment.Ms Peacock, who works closely with the trust, said it was a ‘pleasure’ to speak on their anniversary.

SOUTH Yorkshire Police officers will now be able to carry a life-saving medicine that reverses the effects of a potentially lethal opioid overdose.Naloxone is a drug that can reverse the impact of opioids such as heroin and morphine as well as synthetic opioids, including methadone, fentanyl and Nitazenes.It is already used by most other police forces in the UK and now Naloxone will be carried by trained frontline officers and operational...

MORE than 100 autistic and disabled children attended the Autism Allotments’ sensory Santa grotto sessions. The project saw the allotments in Thurnscoe specially adapted to meet the needs of disabled youngsters across the borough. Lights were low music was adjusted and there were no big queues or large crowds. Children enjoyed time with Santa and could enjoy arts and crafts whilst they waited or could even access the inclusive play equipment. The scheme...

FAMILIES who rely on foodbanks will be helped over the Christmas period thanks to a four-figure donation.Barnsley Foodbank Partnership was founded by local churches and community groups, working together to stop hunger across the local community.Part of the Trussell Trust network, the foodbank is run with the support of volunteers and provides three-day emergency food supplies to help individuals and families in need, alongside signposting to additional resources for longer-term assistance....

A LOCAL band preparing to celebrate their 45th anniversary have bagged an award.Founded in 1980, Seventh Son have accomplished plenty across the past four decades but are heading into their 45th anniversary year on a high.At this year’s New Wave of British Heavy Metal Festival, the rock band left not only having had an amazing time, but also with the ‘Spirit of ‘79’ award.Frontman Bri Shaughnessy said: “As a...

A LOCAL theatre production company is gearing up for special performances of a Roald Dahl classic next year.Far Far Away Theatre will perform an adaptation of James and the Giant Peach in Wombwell in March.A total of six performances will be held at the George Street Theatre from March 27 to March 30.Director Jenna Dabbs said: “It is the little touches that make this show a little charmer –...

A LOCAL school has opened a new performing arts department – and excited pupils have already put on their first show.Outwood Academy Carlton opened the new department in September and has since been working with the next generation of screenstars to put together a collection of shows.On Wednesday, the department debuted the results of their work with the ‘A Night at the Musicals’ play, which combined dance and drama numbers from...