A NEW Walk Safe route will connect Barnsley Hospital with the town centre.

Barnsley Council and Barnsley Hospital have announced the route on Summer Lane.

Funded by the government’s Safer Streets Fund, this project forms part of both organisations’ commitment to ensuring Barnsley remains a safe and welcoming place.

The Walk Safe route, which connects Barnsley Hospital, The Seam and town centre, will extend CCTV coverage across the borough into key public spaces.

The newly-installed CCTV, which is now live, will provide comprehensive monitoring along the entire route, helping residents and staff enjoy safer journeys on foot. By extending the town centre CCTV network, it’s hoped to reduce safety concerns along the route.

A council spokesperson said: “This project is just one example of how we’re working together as part of the Safer Barnsley Partnership to improve public safety through collaboration. As part of our commitment to keeping our communities safe, South Yorkshire Police recently launched the WalkSafe app in Barnsley. This free app allows users to plan their journeys safely and identify local venues which are designated as a ‘safe space’.”

South Yorkshire is the first area in the UK to launch the app countywide, offering features to improve community safety and give peace of mind, including:

  • Sharing your live location with trusted contacts.

  • Notifying loved ones when you get home safely.

  • Easily see venues that meet relevant safety training standards.

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “We’re committed to making Barnsley a safe, welcoming place for everyone, working closely with our partners to make this possible.

“We’re therefore delighted to introduce this new Walk Safe route with Barnsley Hospital, improving safety for everyone travelling between the hospital and our vibrant town centre.

“Extending our town centre CCTV network and introducing the Walk Safe app in Barnsley highlights the power of working together to improve community safety. We hope these projects will help give residents peace of mind when making their way across our borough.”

Bob Kirton, Managing Director for Barnsley Hospital, said: “The launch of this Walk Safe route coincides with the hospital’s renewed campaign to establish our ‘zero-tolerance’ approach to any form of threatening behaviour, which has no place in our organisation.

“We want all colleagues to know they have a right to feel safe at work and to feel supported. By investing in modern safety technologies and working together with our partners, Barnsley continues to lead the way in creating secure and vibrant community spaces.”

You can download the WalkSafe app free on the App Store or Google Play Store.