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Barnsley Council Local Elections 2024News
Live feed:
Barnsley Council Local Elections 2024
State-of-the-art transformation for historic college building
A MULTI-MILLION pound refurbishment project will transform a historic Barnsley College building into an ‘exceptional’ centre of innovation.
The South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (SYIoT) - one of 21 IoTs nationally - will see one of its key facilities fully renovated to house the venue in the college’s University Centre on Church Street in Barnsley town centre.
The landmark art deco building - formerly Barnsley Mining and Technical College - will be sensitively transformed into...
Sister takes on charity walk in young mum’s memory
A CHARITY walk will be held in memory of a young mother who died suddenly having unknowingly lived with a heart condition which affects just a handful of people.
Becky Higgins, 33, is raising money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to remember her sister, 34-year-old Natalie Pell, who died in May 2022 just six months after she’d got married.
Natalie, who was a mum to twin boys Harley and Spencer, was enjoying a night...
Angry volunteers step in to halt demolition work
DEMOLITION work on a 17th century stone wall in Monk Bretton Park was halted after volunteers stepped in.
Members of the ‘friends group’ at the Yorkshire in Bloom platinum award-winning park were angry after the demolition work got underway without warning early yesterday (Thursday).
The volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain and develop the Lamb Lane park had previously noticed a crack in the wall but had drawn up their own plans to repair it...
Schools take part in lockdown drills
A NUMBER of Barnsley schools took part in lockdown drills this week following events elsewhere in the country.
On Wednesday, Birley Academy in Sheffield went into lockdown and a man has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after three people were reportedly attacked with a sharp object.
In response, some schools across Barnsley underwent a lockdown test this week to ensure pupils and staff know the precautions should a situation arise.
A spokesperson...
Laughter is the key, says 103-year-old Jean
JEAN Buckley will celebrate her 103rd birthday at Mapplewell Manor Care Home on Sunday - and she believes the secret to a long and happy life is laughter.
Jean was born in Cawthorne on May 15, 1921 and has lived through World War Two, five different monarchs and 22 separate Prime Ministers.
She now resides in Mapplewell Manor, on Greenside Avenue, and is incredibly popular among the staff and residents.
She’ll be celebrating her 103rd...
Barnsley FC
BARNSLEY v BOLTON: The battle for Wembley
ONE YEAR on and, although it may not feel like it, Barnsley are in the same basic situation as at the end of last season – with two games against Bolton Wanderers between them and the League One play-off final at Wembley.
But this time the Reds, who ended the league season with ten points from 12 games, are not favourites to again win a semi-final against the Trotters who finished 11 points clear...
TROTTERS PREVIEW: Key battles, opposition view and previous meetings
An in-depth look at Barnsley's League play-off semi-final games with Bolton Wanderers. They meet tonight at Oakwell then on Tuesday in Bolton.
TEAM NEWS
Barnsley: Out: Matty Wolfe (knee), Donovan Pines (thigh). Doubts: Jon Russell, Robbie Cundy, Josh Benson.
Bolton: Out: Carlos Mendez Gomes (Achilles), Jon Dadi Bodvarsson (calf), George Johnston. Doubts: Victor Adeboyejo.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Barnsley (3-5-2): Roberts: Williams, de Gevigney, Earl; O'Keeffe, Phillips, Connell, Ka
McAtee looking to reach another play-off final
JOHN McAtee watched a League One play-off final from the stands as a fringe player for Shrewsbury Town, who would release him the next year, and is hopeful of returning there as a player with Barnsley this month.
The 24-year-old striker, who is on loan from Premier League Luton Town for the season, has netted 15 goals in all competitions this season in 43 appearances. He was a teenager who had spent the season on...
‘The club and fans will come together with objective to win’ – Devaney
MARTIN Devaney admits Barnsley have ‘let ourselves down at home’ this season but is hoping they can end the Oakwell campaign on a high against Bolton Wanderers in the first leg of the League One play-off semi-final today.
The sides are due to meet at Oakwell from 7.30pm tonight then in Bolton from 8pm on Tuesday.
The Reds finished sixth on the final day of the season, slipping down a place after a 1-1 home...
Magnificent 7 for Reds women as they move into strong position
BARNSLEY FC women have won seven in a row but now want to continue that run and secure the North East Premier title after moving into a strong position.
The Reds won 3-1 at Alnwick on Sunday so remain level on points with leaders Spennymoor who have a better goal difference but have played two extra games.
Barnsley have three games to play starting at third-placed South Shields on Sunday.
Manager Jess Horsley said: “I...
MOST READ
Vicious loan shark jailed after kidnapping borrower and breaking his jaw
Devaney to lead Reds into play-offs as Thalhammer confirms work permit issue
Rita Britton revives iconic fashion brand
New SEND centre to open in autumn
Facebook kidney appeal gives Bev second chance at life
Man jailed for engaging in sexual activity with underage Barnsley girl
Man jailed after violent town centre robberies
Seized dogs prompts police pet appeal
‘Amazing’ twins making their mark in ice hockey
Highways bosses defend crossing decision
News
Crime hotspots to get targeted patrols
SIX areas of Barnsley are set to benefit from extra funding to tackle serious violence and antisocial behaviour - despite 42 other areas across South Yorkshire seeing targeted patrols, it has been revealed.
The additional funding, as part of the Home Office’s ‘Hotspot Response’ model, follows the increase of antisocial behaviour (ASB) patrols last July.
The model now sees an increase in the amount of officers on our streets in a bids to tackle specific...
New mum praises maternity mental health team
A MUM who received support from Barnsley Hospital’s maternity-related mental health team has praised the service and urged other expectant parents to follow suit.
Alice Mee, 29, is the mother of nine-month-old son Leonard and spoke out in the hope of helping others as part of Maternal Mental Health Week, which ends on Sunday.
Alice is very grateful for all the help she got throughout her pregnancy from Yasmeen Akhtar and also the hospital’s weekly...
£1.7m sports ground contract goes out to tender
A SEVEN-FIGURE contract to build a new sports ground which sparked controversy when it was claimed local residents’ voices had not been taken into account has gone out to tender ahead of its creation later this year.
Barnsley Council hope contractors will submit expressions of interest for the £1.7m work at Parkside in Hoyland, which form part of the local authority’s masterplan for the area.
Despite a long-running campaign and petitions being lodged in a...
Don loved Barnsley and Barnsley loved him ...
IT was nearly impossible to find someone in Barnsley who didn’t know Don Oakes when he worked as a Chronicle photographer and he loved every minute of those 40 years.
Don, 85, died on March 31 at Chapel View Care Home where he had spent the last six months of his life following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2023.
His funeral, on May 15, will take place at Ardsley Crematorium at 12.50pm, before people move to...
Hospital bids to pilot ‘rapid review’ scheme
BARNSLEY Hospital bosses have outlined plans to become one of the first trusts in the country to roll out a new scheme which will allow patients and families to seek an urgent review if their condition deteriorates.
It will give people round-the-clock access to a rapid review from an independent critical care team if they are worried about their or a loved one’s condition.
The new process follows the death of 13-year-old Martha Mills in...
Sport
Dearne one point from title going into their final game
DEARNE and District need one point from their final game tomorrow to secure the league title.
Dearne won 3-0 at SJR of Worksop on Saturday. Bayley Lowe, Enzo Guarini and Brandon Burke scored.
Dearne’s last game is at home to mid-table AFC Bentley on Saturday and a point would be enough for the title. They are six points clear of second-placed Doncaster City who have two games to play and a superior goal difference.
Dearne...
Women’s team start with big win
THE SUMMER Sheffield and District Leagues have just begun with Barnsley Tennis Club running ten teams.
The women’s first team beat Grove 4-0 at home, winning 48 games and losing just eight.
The women’s B team beat Brentwood away in a very close match.
The C team defeated visitors Fulwood D 4-0.
The men’s team were edged out 5-4 at Mexborough but there were wins for the B and D teams.
Three mixed teams are...
Wombwell Main and North Gawber finally back on home pitches
WOMBWELL Main and North Gawber played their first home games at their own ground in months on Monday in the County Senior League.
Both Premier Division clubs, along with Houghton Main, have struggled with water on their pitches after a rainy winter and spring – having to switch fixtures to the opponents’ ground or play on neutral venues for hefty fees.
Wombwell Main lost 2-0 home to Jubilee Sports on Monday.
They then lost 2-1...
Eight-wicket Emilia the star of low-scoring first weekend of cricket season
EMILIA Rossi took eight wickets in Silkstone United’s win at Stocksbridge in Division Four of the South Yorkshire League.
Joseph Atkinson (55) led Silkstone to 165 then the hosts were bowled out for 82.
Many fixtures were called off due to the wet weather, such as Barnsley Woolley’s opener.
But some teams from the town did manage to play.
Wombwell Main were skittled for 78 chasing 127 at home to Rockingham 2nd XI.
Wombwell’s Richard...
Three wins for Barnsley boxers
A trio of local fighters got their hands raised at the Metrodome on Tuesday night.
Wyatt Holden from Jonny’s Gym in Ardsley forced a standing eight count against Rotherham Unity’s Harley Saeed on his way to a unanimous decision win and the Yorkshire title.
Hoyle Mill southpaw Josh Green was also a decision winner. He controlled the contest against Witter’s Sam Noble.
Host club, Micky’s Athletic, had a winner too with Kodi...
News
Vicious loan shark jailed after kidnapping borrower and breaking his jaw
A VICIOUS loan shark who kidnapped a vulnerable borrower, forcing him to travel in the boot of his car to get cash and broke his jaw during an attack when he couldn’t meet a repayment has today been jailed for seven years.
Richard Dawson, aged 35, from Barnsley, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court where he was told by the judge, Mr Recorder Adrian Langdale KC he was clearly involved in an ‘organised crime extortion...
Filmmaker delving deeper into Orwell’s time in town
LOCAL filmmaker and historian Dave Cherry has teamed up with Barnsley College to commemorate George Orwell’s stay in the town.
Orwell, who visited the town in 1936, will see his legacy marked in Barnsley later today when a blue plaque is unveiled in his memory.
Dave Cherry is well known for his filmmaking across the town, and he’s previously raised more than £24,000 for Barnsley Hospice by teaming up with the college.
He’s now gearing...
Lockdown hobby turns into river source quest
A LOCKDOWN hobby turned into a multi-year journey across the country for one local.
Peter Giles, of Lancaster Street, started searching for river sources in lockdown after seeing his son post videos of his own adventures.
But what was meant to be something to help pass the time and get out of the house has turned into a three-year-long journey, as the 71-year-old travelled across the country to visit as many as he can.
“I...
Volunteers ‘beyond thrilled’ to receive King’s Award
A LOCAL community group were presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a ceremony at Barnsley Town Hall this week.
The Friends of Wilthorpe Park were formed in September 2015 by a small but enthusiastic group of volunteers.
Nine years on and the group is still thriving, with many of its founding members still present.
On Wednesday, the Lord-Lieutenant Dame Hilary Chapman present the group with their crystal trophy that will stay on...
Walkers step up with £10k for hospice
BARNSLEY Hospice supporters helped raise more than £10,000 for the facility in a recent fundraiser.
More than 60 people came together earlier this month to support the hospice’s ‘30 for 30’ walk.
A hospice spokesperson said: “The 30km route took them around the borough - including High Hoyland, Cawthorne, the town centre and Oakwell.
“Despite muddy conditions adding some challenges to the walk, the team finished with smiles on their faces and raised an incredible...
Barnsley FC
Devaney tells players ‘don’t worry about the noise’ amid Thalhammer revelations
MARTIN Devaney has told the Barnsley players ‘don’t worry about the noise’ after the search for a new head coach took more twists and turns this week.
The Reds sacked Neill Collins on Monday of last week, with one league game remaining, and the team fifth but on a run of two wins in 11 matches. Devaney took over the team on an interim basis last week and is due to take charge of Friday's play-off...
Russell, Cundy and Benson progressing
JON RUSSELL, Josh Benson and Robbie Cundy are all back in training and making progress in their returns from injury.
Midfielder Russell has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury. Interim head coach Martin Devaney said: “He could be in contention. He has trained this week and looked OK.”
Defender Cundy has missed the entire season with injury but has been back in training recently along with midfielder Benson who has not played since November. ...
Devaney to lead Reds into play-offs as Thalhammer confirms work permit issue
Austrian coach Dominik Thalhammer has confirmed that his move to Barnsley last week fell down due to a work permit issue.
Martin Devaney took charge of Barnsley's final league game against Northampton Town last Saturday, following Neill Collins' sacking the previous Monday. Devaney is expected to take charge of Friday evening's play-off first leg at home to Bolton Wanderers.
Reports have claimed that Austrian Thalhammer travelled to the UK last week to take over from Collins immediately..
Reaching play-offs a ‘release’ for de Gevigney
MAEL de Gevigney says qualifying for the League One play-offs was a ‘release’ for Barnsley’s players after a poor end to the league season.
The Reds won just two of their last 12 games, and none of their final six, but finished sixth and will face Bolton Wanderers in the semi-finals.
French defender de Gevigney told the Chronicle: “It’s a release.
“Maybe it will help us to think about the next games and not the...
OAKWELL ROUND-UP: Coach search, Phillips award, women win again
Some Barnsley FC related stories at the start of another big week.
REDS TRAIN WITH INTERIM STAFF WITH HEAD COACH SEARCH ONGOING
Barnsley players are training under the interim coaching staff at Oakwell again today while the search for a new head coach continues in the background.
The Reds reached the League One play-offs at the weekend, drawing 1-1 at home to Northampton Town under caretaker Martin Devaney following last week’s sacking of...
News
Appeal over park vandalism
THE council are appealing for information after a park was vandalised twice.
Last week, Royston Park and the old tennis pavilion were broken into twice, with items set alight and paint through across the games court.
A nearby bin on Lynwood Drive, Carlton, was also set on fire, leading to a planter being destroyed.
As part of the council’s Everybody Think campaign - which is designed to curb fly-tipping and environmental crime - an appeal...
Seized dogs prompts police pet appeal
SOUTH Yorkshire Police have already seized more than 300 dogs so far this year, prompting officers to ask Barnsley pet owners to control their pets.
Emergency calls for dangerous dogs present a financial cost to the force every time they respond, often requiring officers from multiple teams to attend, as well as contracted kennel personnel who then transport, house and care for the dogs until action is decided. ( Following the initial emergency response, officers...
Cancer charity marks three years of lifeline service
WESTON Park Cancer Charity celebrated three years of offering free transport for patients across Barnsley this week.
The service, which picks patients up from various locations including Oakwell, ensures people can get to any of the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals sites to attend tests or receive vital cancer treatment, without the worry and stress of traffic, parking, and travel costs.
Since its launch in April 2021, Weston Park Cancer Charity’s free transport service has helped more...
Youth theatre creating a family of performers
TAKE 2 Performing Arts Academy has been a ‘godsend’ for youngsters with a passion for theatre.
The youth theatre, in Birdwell, welcomes youngsters aged three to 21 to learn the skills needed to perform on stage.
Teaching everything from dance and musical theatre to drama, students get the chance to put on their own shows and work like a professional theatre company.
Theatre manager Julie Whitfield told the Chronicle: “Kids get to work with staff...
Farm students showcase talents at Spring show
BARNSLEY College students were able to showcase their talents to the public at Wigfield Farm last week.
The college’s ‘Spring Show’ took place on Wednesday, with students able to showcase a range of animals, running interactive sessions whilst selling handmade items.
Interactive sessions ran throughout the event, with students leading meet and greet sessions in the farm’s exotics room, for the public to meet insects and reptiles, as well as meeting this year’s lambs.
Adding...
Sport
Medals for Harry and Freddie
HARRY Austin won a silver and bronze representing Borough of Barnsley Swimming Club at the North East Regional Championships.
Freddie Cooke-South also took a bronze medal.
They are both due to compete again this weekend, as the championship continues, along with Olivia Byrne, Lily Knowles and Annabelle Harrison.
Jack captains Yorkshire u17s
JACK Bailey of Green Moor captained Yorkshire Rugby Academy under 17s this week.
Jack, who attends Queen Elizabeth Grammar (QEGS) school, plays number eight for the school first team.
He was previously with rugby league club Wakefield Trinity’s under 16s scholarship programme before switching over to the Yorkshire Rugby Union set-up. The 17-year-old spent most of childhood learning rugby in the suburbs of Paris with rugby club Garches Vaucresson, before returning to Yorkshire in summ
GIRLS' FOOTBALL: Shield champions SAFG finish with 3-0 win
SAFG United under 13s completed a successful season with a 3-0 win at Eckington.
Eleanor Ogden, Mollie Rose and Akira Rose White scored.
The Royston club had won their Shield final last week and finished fourth in Division Two.
Scarlett Wilkinson got the goal as Barnsley under 13s won 1-0 at Crosspool.
Penistone Church under 13s won 6-1 over Barnsley. Gracie Dimler hit a hat-trick, Pollyana Portman added two and Nellie Phillip also struck.
Pogmoor...
Damien tops 42 fells and mountains in less than 24 hours
PENISTONE Footpath Runner Damien Briscoe topped 42 mountain or fell peaks in the Lake District within 24 hours as he completed the completed the notoriously tough Bob Graham Round challenge this week.
He finished the 66 miles and a total of 27,000 feet of climbing in 23 hours and 36 minutes
Damien – who had been planning for the event for nine years – described it as the hardest thing he had done in his...
Rowland stays in title contention at halfway
OLIVER Rowland stayed in the mix for the Formula E title at the halfway stage in the season after the latest race in Monaco.
The 30-year-old from Penistone qualified 15th but moved up to sixth in the race so picked up eight points.
He is fourth in the standings after eight of 16 races, 14 points off the leader.
Rowland said: "It was an interesting race. I'm happy with our performance, we had solid pace and...