BARNSLEY continued to buck the national trend by attracting more than two million people to the town centre between January and March.

Many were drawn by a number of events such as Barnsley FC matches and pop-up days in the Glass Works’ public square.

The council set a target to attract 1.9 million visitors for the quarter but surpassed this with more than 2.3 million visitors, figures show.

The summer’s figures are also expected to be high, with the knock-on impact of Barnsley boxer Callum Simpson’s 7,000 sell-out fight against Zak Chelli at Oakwell set to hike numbers, as well as events such as Barnsley Live and Flavours Food Festival.

A corporate performance report, presented to ruling cabinet members, outlined how the authority had performed in a number of areas.

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “Barnsley continues to buck the national trend for footfall to our town centre.

“Expecting to achieve an estimated seven million visitors this year, our fantastic, vibrant town centre draws visitors from right across the region and beyond.

“Barnsley Market is thriving, attracting thousands of coach visitors nationwide already this year, the highest figures in the last ten years. We continue to attract new businesses to the town centre.”

The Glass Works is now 90 per cent let, with interest in ‘all remaining units’, according to Coun Franklin.

“We also have a jam-packed events programme planned for the remainder of the year which will continue to drive footfall, including the annual Bright Nights on November 22 and 23 and the Christmas market from December 5 to 8.

“We’re proud of these successes, but we’re also not standing still.

“We have ambitious plans for the future, including the innovative Health and Wellbeing Hub in the Alhambra which will make healthcare more accessible and drive further footfall to the town.”