News

LOCALS are being encouraged to help name a new Shire horse foal who has just been born at Cannon Hall Farm.The foal is a filly to Sapphire, a popular horse at the Cawthorne-based farm.A spokesperson for the farm said: “We welcome visitors to come and view the new arrival - and welcome name suggestions from anyone.“We are very proud to be a Shire Horse Society registered centre, looking to...

A TOWN centre street will be fully closed to vehicles for two months while work takes place on the Alhambra Shopping Centre.Wesley Street will close on Monday for approximately eight weeks to allow scaffolding to be erected for essential roofing works to be carried out on the centre.The works are part of the maintenance programme to develop the centre and preserve it for the future.Diversions will be in place...

A LOCAL hospital which supports men with brain injuries has transformed and redesigned an unused space into a social hub giving its service users a space to enjoy and relax in together.The designated ‘social hub’ at Cygnet Pindar House, on Upper Sheffield Road, will provide a relaxing and enjoyable space for patients to unwind in together.The room includes a gaming station, music area and sensory features, with the aim of enhancing...

A BARNSLEY theatre is reaching out to hobbyists from across Yorkshire to take part in the largest ever exhibition focusing on the nation’s pastimes.From makers and modifiers to crafters and collectors, members of the public are invited to take part in Come As You Really Are, an exhibition of the UK’s most enduring hobbies.Barnsley Civic is working alongside Artangel and award-winning artist and Spider-Man enthusiast Hetain Patel to invite the people...

YORKSHIRE’s most disgusting art exhibition is coming to Barnsley next week.Yorkshire Water is set to reveal the truly disgusting items that have caused blockages in the region’s sewers, in a pop-up exhibition at The Alhambra Shopping Centre.On Wednesday (February 12), visitors will be granted access to ‘The Cabinet of Curiosities’ – a gallery of truly stomach-turning scenes featuring the more unusual items removed from pipes by the water company’s blockages team. ...

A NEW warden team is being drafted in to provide additional safety and support for visitors to The Glass Works and the surrounding town centre. The team, says Barnsley Council, will work alongside the existing town centre wardens, strengthening the council’s commitment to creating a vibrant and welcoming space for all.A council spokesperson said: “The new wardens will offer a visible and professional presence tailored to the specific needs of The Glass...

A BARNSLEY apprentice has been recognised for his work in restoring and relocating a local war memorial.Peter Harper, who is currently doing a Level 4 Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship at Barnsley College, coordinated the project with the support of local businesses and members of the community to restore Wombwell Reform Club War Memorial from its former home.The memorial, which was a tribute to the soldiers who served in...

A BARNSLEY charity is offering people a discounted place in the Barnsley 10K in June to run in support of them.A Barnsley Hospice spokesperson said: “We have 30 discounted places available for runners who wish to run in support of Barnsley Hospice.“Following its success in 2024, over 2,000 runners will once again pass through Wilthorpe, Redbrook and loop back into Barnsley town centre to complete the 10 km course. Don't worry,...

POLICE are trying to find the owners of items found in a stolen car which is believed to have been used in a series of other burglaries across South, North and West Yorkshire.A police spokesperson said: “On Monday December 9 2024, we were called to reports of a burglary in the Carcroft area of Doncaster. It is reported that a white Nissan Qashqai was stolen from the property.“It is believed that...

BARNSLEY College performing arts students attended the launch of ‘Calling Barnsley’ recently.The project saw a classic phone box transformed into a dynamic story-telling space, offering a captivating glimpse into the heart of Barnsley through 30 monologues that reflect the rich and diverse stories of the town.The launch event, held at the Civic, offered Barnsley College attendees a first look at this inspiring installation, alongside live readings of the monologues and opportunities...

POLICE are asking for help to find a missing Doncaster man who was last seen in Grimethorpe.Brett, aged 33, was last seen on Manor Crescent, Grimethorpe, last night (Tuesday) at around 10pm and has not been seen or heard from since.Brett is white, with brown hair. He was last seen wearing blue trousers, orange hi-vis hoodie, green body warmer, work boots and a green beanie hat.He is known to...

POLICE are appealing for help to find a 15-year-old girl last seen in Wath.A police spokesman said: “We’re asking for your help to find missing Georgia from Rotherham.“Georgia, aged 15, was last seen in Wath-upon-Dearne yesterday (Monday) at 5pm, and has not been seen or heard from since.”Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for Georgia’s welfare and would like to speak to anyone who has seen her.Georgia is...

A RULING cabinet member has praised a ‘key’ council service’s members for securing Ofsted’s top accolade.Barnsley Council’s Adult Skills and Community Learning service – which helps learners secure new qualifications – was previously rated as ‘good’ but has since been moved to the top-performing ‘outstanding’ bracket.The town is just one of three in the country to hold the grade.Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “The achievement...

A DOG owner who pleaded guilty to neglecting her pet has been banned from keeping animals for five years.Courtney Archer, of Grange View, Blacker Hill admitted three counts of neglect relating to Sheba, her Staffordshire bull terrier.Following an RSPCA-led probe, Sheba was found to have been suffering from skin and ear diseases. The 27-year-old was given the ban following a hearing at Barnsley Magistrates’ Court and was also told to pay...

PLANNING permission is being sought to convert a former pub into eight holiday lets.If approved, the former Fitzwilliam Arms, on Hill Street in Elsecar, will be converted.The plans included the demolition and reconstruction of parts of the building.A total of 18 neighbouring properties have been made aware of the plans with no appeals to date.Public consultation ends on February 21.

A BARNSLEY MP is encouraging residents to get involved in Park Run events which take place across the borough.Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock took part in a Park Run event at the weekend. She said: “There are hundreds of events across the country every week and everyone can get involved – walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.”

OVER £37,000 was raised for Barnsley Hospice through its annual Elf Run.In December, Barnsley Hospice set locals the challenge of putting on an elf hat and raising funds for the charity.Pupils from 36 schools, seven businesses and community groups donned their elf hats to dash around Barnsley, raising funds to help the hospice deliver specialist care.A hospice spokesperson said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that Elf Run raised...

Approximately 50,000 homes and businesses in Barnsley are set to benefit from a game-changing broadband upgrade! Brsk is bringing 100% full fibre to the area, so you can say goodbye to expensive, slow and unreliable service. From streaming, working from home and gaming, to keeping a busy home well-connected, it’ll be world-class all the way.Brsk is a well-known name across the North West, with thousands of happy customers in West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester...

LATEST data predicts that Reform UK would take two of Barnsley’s three seats if a general election was to be called.Election Maps UK – who gather the latest polling data to monitor public opinion on the leading political party – have released information that shows growing support for the Nigel Farage-led party.According to their statistics, if an election were to be held today then Reform UK would take Labour MP Stephanie...

A MAN has been jailed after being found guilty of non-recent sexual offences against three child victims.The offences took place between 1998 and 2002 in Barnsley, South Elmsall and Newport. Mark Woolley, 54, of Kinsley Street, Kinsley, Pontefract, was found guilty following a trial at Leeds Crown Court of four counts of rape of a male under 16, four counts of indecent assault of a boy under the age of 14, four...

A LOCAL man has been banned from attending football matches for three years after he was caught shouting racial abuse at Dutch striker Justin Kluivert live on television.The incident took place on November 25, 2023, during Sheffield United’s Premier League match against Bournemouth at Bramall Lane.Gavin Dunn from Thurnscoe was heard shouting at the striker after he scored for the away side, who won 3-1.The match was broadcast worldwide...

A LETTER from world-famous environmentalist Sir David Attenborough has inspired animal care students at Barnsley College.As part of their Sustainability Week, seven students put pen to paper during their GCSE English lessons, writing heartfelt letters to Sir David Attenborough to express their concerns about the local environment and wildlife channeling their passion for sustainability into impactful writing.The students were delighted to receive a personal reply from Sir David dated Boxing Day,...

THE number of people in Barnsley making use of the blue badge disabled parking scheme rose by more than ten per cent last year, new figures show.Blue badges – which must be renewed every three years – help people with disabilities or health conditions access shops and services by enabling them to park closer to their destination.New figures from the Department for Transport show there were around 6,700 issued to motorists...

OFFICERS from Barnsley West changed their shifts over the weekend to conduct extra late burglary patrols.This was due to a number of recent incidents across Penistone, Dodworth and Ardsley. Over Friday and Saturday nights 13 people were searched for theft and drug offences and one of these was found in possession of a large quantity of Class A drugs. A possession with intent to supply investigation is ongoing. A 40-year-old...

A LOCAL charity is asking people to join them on its first Lego walk to help raise funds.Next month Barnsley Hospital Charity is holding the event at Barnsley Market and is keen for residents to sign up.A charity spokesperson said: “We are only weeks away until our first Lego walk so why not join us for an exciting event for all and an incredible way to make a difference!“We’re...

​​FANS of Barnsley Football Club have been rated as the eighth unhappiest in League One.According to the Happy Fan Index 2025, the Reds’ fanbase is a happier one than neighbouring Huddersfield Town but way down on high-flyers Wrexham.Engagement rates on Barnsley’s official social media channels – Instagram and X – stand at 0.62 per cent and 0.02 per cent respectively.Analyst Dan Tracey, who compiled the index which looks at...

A LOCAL pensioner has been handed a suspended sentence for producing cannabis.Peter Parker, 66, of Manchester Road, Thurlstone, appeared at court charged with the production of a class B drug and the abstract use of electricity without any authority.He received a six-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. Parker was also ordered to pay a £239 fine.A MAN from Athersley North has been fined for breaching a domestic abuse...

POLICE have arrested a man following an incident reported to have taken place in Shafton on Monday.Barnsley North East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "It is reported that at around 7.20pm on January 27, a 14-year-old girl was walking along Shafton High Street when a silver car pulled up alongside her."The man driving the car is alleged to have got out of the car and tried to engage with the girl, asking...

A MARKET Kitchen restaurant has been handed a one-star food hygiene rating.Pou Poutine was given the score following an assessment on December 18.The assessment said that major improvement was necessary in the management of food safety and that improvement was needed in hygienic food handling. The cleanliness and condition of facilities and building were rated good.While Taste of Hong Kong, on Pontefract Road in Lundwood, was given a score...

ALMOST 100 litter-picking sessions were put on by the South Area Council during a three-month period at the end of last year.The council – which covers Darfield, Hoyland Milton, Rockingham and Wombwell wards – commissions an environmental-related contract and now has a large amount of volunteers involved.According to a progress report, 639 hours were put in at 96 litter-picking events, which resulted in 257 bags of litter being removed.It...

BARNSLEY FC Community Trust has launched its ‘Reds Unite’ scheme in a bid to promote football participation among ethnic minority communities.The inclusive football initiative is funded through the Premier League Fans Fund and aimed at increasing participation among black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities in Barnsley.The programme seeks to break down barriers, promote diversity and provide greater opportunities for underrepresented groups in the sport.The launch was attended by academy...

HEAVY snowfall which isolated some communities for more than a week will be discussed by councillors next week – after calls for a grit bin review were made to help residents keep their streets clear.The snow, which struck on January 5, turned to ice and did not thaw due to a sub-zero cold snap continuing until the middle of the month.Coun Will Fielding, who represents the Dodworth ward, urged the council...

A STRETCH of road which has been plagued by inconsiderate drivers is set to be targeted as part of a council scheme.Wombwell’s Hough Lane, particularly at the Kingsway junction, has reportedly seen drivers speeding and causing issues for locals.It has resulted in the three ward councillors – James Higginbottom, Brenda Eastwood and Robert Frost – requesting speed indicator devices be placed in the area.In a joint statement the councillors...

BARNSLEY marked Holocaust Memorial Day at the town hall last Monday evening.Commemorated every year on January 27, this year’s was an especially poignant date as it marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau – the largest Nazi death camp – where more than a million people were murdered.Almost 100 people were there to hear from Mayor of Barnsley John Clarke, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and leaders from Christian,...

POLICE are urging people to make themselves, and any vulnerable loved ones, aware of the signs of courier fraud following reports of fraudsters pretending to be police officers.On Saturday January 25, officers received reports that a woman in her 80s received a phone call from a man claiming to be a police officer at a station based in Rotherham.The woman was told that somebody had attempted to take money out of...