BARNSLEY Council bosses have urged anyone who has any information in relation to a copper theft at a Worsbrough school to contact the police.

The former Elmhirst Youth Centre, based off Ardsley Road, is currently in the process of being repurposed into a ‘much-needed’ facility which will cater for 40 youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities to reduce costly out-of-borough placements.

However, after cruel thieves targeted the venue last Monday night to steal a great deal of copper it was believed by local councillors John Clarke and Roy Bowser the plans would be set back.

The council have confirmed this would not be the case.

Carly Speechley, executive director for children’s services, said: “It was extremely disappointing to hear about the vandalism that took place at the Elmhirst School site, where work has been underway to transform what was once the youth centre into a school to support local children in Barnsley with special educational needs.

“We want to reassure families that while this awful incident has occurred, this will not impact or delay the opening of the school which will still take place after the spring bank school holiday.

“We do not condone the actions of the very few who targeted the school and encourage anyone who has any information relating to the theft to speak to South Yorkshire Police.”