HALLOWEEN may look a little different this year as children from across the borough have been discouraged from taking part in trick-or-treating due to new Covid restrictions.

The restrictions, which came into effect on Saturday, prevent people from different households from mixing.

As children normally visit multiple homes on the night – the decision has been made to stop the activity this year.

Barnsley Council said that families are encouraged to enjoy Halloween activities at home to help minimise the spread of the virus.

“In partnership with South Yorkshire Councils we are advising people to stay safe this Halloween by enjoying activities at home with people in their own households or support bubbles, and to avoid trick or treating,” a spokesperson said.

“We are sharing a ‘stay safe during Halloween’ campaign across our social media channels, which advises residents of alternative activities they can take part in that are Covid safe.”

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “In tier three areas, such as South Yorkshire, traditional trick-or-treating where you go and knock on someone else’s door would breach the Covid regulations as it means people from different households would be mixing.

“We will be directing people to their local authority for the latest public health updates and advice around Halloween activities.”