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News
Covid admissions rise at hospital
THE number of patients being admitted to Barnsley Hospital with Covid-19 is on the rise again.
A total of 66 people were admitted to the site last week, a two per cent increase.
It means there’s currently 63 people on the site with the virus, none of which are on medical ventilation beds.
Fundraising mission for church’s clock launches
A CHURCH’S historic clock - which congregation members believe is in grave danger of being lost for good unless urgent repair work is carried out - is the subject of a fundraising mission.
St Paul’s Church, in Monk Bretton, has a cast iron skeleton dial with opal glazing within the frame.
The clock was originally created to ensure that local miners arrived at work on time and since its installation in 1894, the clock has...
Government’s ‘measly’ addiction funding blasted
BARNSLEY is set to receive a ‘measly’ amount of funding from the government in a bid to tackle rising drug and alcohol addiction rates across the borough, the Chronicle can reveal.
UKAT - an established residential rehabilitation centre located at Linwood House on Wensley Road, New Lodge - said the total allocation of £3.3m works out at only £13 per head to support people struggling with addiction in Barnsley.
The Department for Health and Social...
Popular actor steps down from ITV role
BARNSLEY actor Kenny Doughty ‘handed over his badge’ this week after calling time on his role on hit ITV show Vera.
The 47-year-old spent eight years on the show and filmed 35 episodes starring as DS Aiden Healey alongside TV veteran Brenda Blethyn.
The show is set in Northumbria, and centres around no-nonsense detective Vera Stanhope, and features Kenny as her right-hand man and co-worker.
In an emotional statement to fans, Kenny said: “I want...
£20m investment announced for town’s roads
MORE than 50 roads in Barnsley - across all 21 wards - are set to benefit from a £20m investment to improve the town’s highways network.
An extra £2m will be added to the £18.4m Highways Capital Programme by Barnsley Council to boost the town’s roads and side streets.
Cabinet members will be asked to approve the programme at a meeting on April 5, with a total of £20.4m being earmarked for work across the...
Barnsley FC
Owls win ‘statement’ but top 2 might require record tally
BARNSLEY’S victory over Sheffield Wednesday was a ‘statement win’ in what Michael Duff believes may be a record-breaking race for automatic promotion from League One.
The Reds are fourth, six points off the top two and 12 clear in the top six.
They are eight points behind leaders Plymouth Argyle with two games in hand.
This week they won 1-0 at Wycombe Wanderers, who are eighth, then 4-2 at home to second-placed local rivals Sheffield...
Watters derby winner restores confidence lost after red card
MAX WATTERS says the confidence he lost after being sent off last month has been restored by netting the winning goal for Barnsley in their 4-2 derby success over Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old, who joined on loan from Cardiff City for the rest of the season in January, got his first Reds goal against Cambridge United but was dismissed in the same game.
He served a three-match ban, during which he picked up...
Talking points from Wednesday win
Analysis of Barnsley's 4-2 home victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Oakwell on Tuesday. Devante Cole and James Norwood put the Reds 2-0 up early then, after the visitors made it 2-2, Max Watters and Liam Kitching secured the win.
MAGICAL NIGHT AT OAKWELL
WHEN Liam Kitching’s goal hit the back of Sheffield Wednesday’s net deep in injury-time, and secured a famous South Yorkshire derby win, Oakwell was unlike it has been for years.
The Barnsley...
'Really, really pleasing night'
Michael Duff hailed a ‘really really pleasing night’ as Barnsley beat local rivals Sheffield Wednesday 4-2 at Oakwell.
Devante Cole and James Norwood put the Reds 2-0 up early on then, after Wednesday levelled, Max Watters and Liam Kitching won it.
Barnsley are fourth in League One, six points off the top two, and unbeaten in 12 with ten wins.
Duff said: “It wasn’t a brilliant game for quality but a proper local derby with...
Reds hit four past Owls in derby win
Barnsley recovered from losing a 2-0 lead to beat local rivals Sheffield Wednesday 4-2 and further boost their top two chances on an extraordinary night at Oakwell.
Devante Cole and James Norwood netted in the tenth and 12th minutes as the Reds got off to a superb start.
The Owls pulled one back before the break then levelled with 15 minutes left before Max Watters got the crucial goal then Liam Kitching completed...
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News
Attacks on council staff rise
TWELVE people were bitten as violent and aggressive incidents towards Barnsley Council staff increased by 56 per cent last year - with the majority of attacks taking place on school grounds.
The council’s annual health and safety report revealed that a total of 86 violent incidents took place last year against its staff - an increase from 38 the previous year.
There were no logged incidents against secondary school staff, however there were 48 instances...
Cash windfall for historic hall’s ‘essential’ repairs
ALMOST £1m in funding has been made available to restore Cannon Hall’s historic roof.
The latest funding decisions for the Cultural Investment Fund were announced on Monday, with Cannon Hall receiving its share of around £900,000.
The funds will be used to make essential repairs to the Grade II*-listed building’s roof.
Adaptations and improvements will be made to the site using the ‘best conservation expertise’ and it will address the environment issues by improving insulation....
Veteran runner returns from Tokyo Marathon
A RUNNER is celebrating her success having recently competed in the Tokyo Marathon.
Bev Clark, 55, from South Hiendley, who is a runner for the Barnsley Harriers on Shaw Lane, took part in the marathon on March 5.
Having competed in 19 marathons, Bev told the Chronicle she was ‘absolutely delighted’ with this one in particular, with it being the first one in Tokyo since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have taken part in many international...
Grieving family condemn CPS’s decision
THE family of a mum-of-two who died in a collision at the hands of a Barnsley man feel ‘he has got away with it’ after it was revealed no further action will be taken against him.
In November 2021 Sarah Sands, 33, died on Barnsley Road near Ridgewood School in Scawsby.
Sarah went back to her dad’s house after an evening out and decided to walk home after struggling to get a lift.
She was...
Popular builder gets final wish
A WELL-RESPECTED builder travelled to his funeral in his ‘happy place’ - a digger - on Tuesday as residents gathered to pay their respects.
Ian Jackson, 59, died on February 25 after he was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy (MSA) - a rare condition of the nervous system that causes gradual damage to nerve cells in the brain.
The Kingstone man had built up an ‘empire’ in his industry and he arrived at Barnsley Crematorium...
Sport
Callum glad years of hard work have led to Sky Sports debut
A JOURNEY that started with 6am runs at Locke Park before school and travelling across the country for amateur fights with Barnsley Star ABC will now take Callum Simpson into his first televised fight tomorrow evening.
The 26-year-old super-middleweight from the town centre is due to face Celso Neves at the Manchester Arena live on Sky Sports.
He recently signed a deal with the broadcaster and promoter BOXXER following a fine start to his professional...
Ladies close in on title with 8-0 win
BARNSLEY Ladies FC are closing in on their league title after extending their unbeaten run to 15 games with 14 wins.
The Reds won 8-0 at Ripon City on Sunday in the North East Regional League Southern Division.
Lynn Goodman and Jodie Gregory scored hat-tricks with Louisa Barraclough and Nicole Shaw also on target. They are six points clear at the top with 43 points from 16 games and have six remaining starting with a...
Winless Barnsley RUFC season ends with tenth withdrawal
BARNSLEY RUFC’S season ended with defeat in all 22 games.
The Shaw Laners pulled out of their final game at second-bottom Northallerton in Yorkshire Division Two.
They pulled out of ten games, including the last three, due to a lack of players – earning them five-point deductions each time.
They lost all 12 completed matches, collecting one bonus point for losing by less than seven points.
That left them on minus 49 points, 81 adrift...
Wale and Hall victorious
Barnsley boxers Dempsey Wale and Danny Hall both kept their winning records going at the Metrodome last Friday.
Danny Hall vs Serge Ambomo (Pictures: Keith Turner)
Wale got the better of Luke Fash on points and Hall edged out Serge Ambomo.
The Chronicle’s Ashley Ball grabbed headliner Dempsey for an interview after the show.
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Danny Hall (Pictures: Keith Turner)
Josh Wale, Dempsey Wale,...
Local football round-up: Rec draw 3-3 in thriller
Athersley Rec are still bottom of NCEL Division One after they drew 3-3 at home to mid-table Selby Town on Saturday.
The visitors netted twice in the final minutes of the first half then Lee Garside scored twice in the first five minutes of the second.
Rec had a man sent off before Selby took the lead again but saw a penalty saved by Ellis Pickard then Ricky Berry levelled in the 88th minute. ...
News
Tributes paid to town’s longest-serving councillor
EMOTIONAL tributes were paid to Barnsley’s longest-serving councillor - who is stepping down in May due to ill health - at a special meeting yesterday.
Coun Charlie Wraith MBE, a former Mayor of Barnsley who represents the Cudworth ward, was elected in 1974 but is battling terminal oesophagus cancer and will retire after 49 years’ service.
He received a distinguished service award at Barnsley Town Hall - the first ever given by the council -...
School farm animals find new home
TRUSTEES at a valued community farm who made the decision to close last month due to the current financial crisis have now successfully rehomed its animals.
Grimethorpe Community Farm, which was based on the grounds of Milefield Primary School - closed in February with the promise of relocating the animals to an alternative farm.
Coun Jeff Ennis, who is also the chair of the farm’s steering group, told the Chronicle he was ‘deeply saddened’ by...
Ex-mine manager urges caution over site’s development
A FORMER mine manager who believes unexploded material remains underneath Barnsley’s largest site earmarked for future development has accused planning bosses of using a ‘policy of silence’.
Codenamed MU1 in the local plan development blueprint, it is situated between Pogmoor, Higham and Barugh Green along the M1 corridor and subject of a planning application lodged by Strata Homes and Sterling Capitol, who make up the Barnsley West Consortium (BWC).
Having a number of coal seams,...
Hospital’s new intensive care unit revealed
BARNSLEY Hospital’s new intensive care unit was unveiled to the Chronicle in an exclusive first-look event this week - but those behind the £7.3m transformation hope most people never need to see it...
The 68-week build programme officially ended on Tuesday when contractor Illingworth and Gregory handed over the facility back to the hospital.
A former office block - which was deemed underused on the Gawber site that’s been starved of space to expand -...
Chronicle reader prompts change for wheelchair users
WORK to improve wheelchair accessibility in the town centre will be taking place next month following feedback from a Chronicle reader.
Nic Frances, who submitted a letter in last week’s letters page, highlighted a concern about the ramped pedestrian exit from The Seam car park into Regent Street.
It includes a drainage gully which Nic said made it difficult for people using wheelchairs - such as her mother - to get from the disabled parking...
Barnsley FC
'Different player' Tedic thrilled with first goal
SLOBODAN Tedic agrees that he is a ‘different player’ after returning from injury and is hoping his first Barnsley goal will lead to many more.
The 22-year-old striker, who is on loan from Manchester City, netted a late winner at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
It was his first goal in 16 appearances for the Reds and ended a 43-game wait for a goal since netting for PEC Zwolle in the Dutch top flight two year...
Russell called up by Jamaica but Ipswich still have just two
Barnsley midfielder Jon Russell has been called up by Jamaica.
The 22-year-old, who signed in January, has been added to the squad to face Mexico on Monday. He has been called up before but is yet to make his debut.
Meanwhile, Ipswich's Greg Leigh is not in the Jamaica squad - meaning they do not have the three international call-ups which they used to call off their game at Oakwell on Saturday.
The East Anglian...
Reds relishing Wednesday derby
Barnsley will look to end local rivals Sheffield Wednesday’s 23-game unbeaten run in a South Yorkshire derby at Oakwell from 8pm on Tuesday which could be played in front of one of the biggest crowds there in years.
Wednesday are top of League One by a point. The Reds are fourth, nine points behind the Owls and eight off second-placed Plymouth Argyle who have played two extra games.
The Reds won 1-0 at Wycombe Wanderers...
Talking points from Wycombe win
Analysis of Barnsley's 1-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers. Slobodan Tedic scored in the 85th minute.
REDS 'POOR' BUT GROUND OUT WIN
Barnsley had pulverised a series of promotion rivals at Oakwell before this game but gained a very different if no less important win at Adams Park on Saturday.
The Reds were nowhere near their best but somehow ground out an epic late victory to extend their unbeaten run to 11 games with...
Duff thrilled with Tedic winner after 'poor' performance
Michael Duff said his Barnsley side were ‘poor’ at Wycombe Wanderers but was delighted for Slobodan Tedic who netted his first goal for the club in a late 1-0 win.
The Reds were not at their best against tough opponents but scored an 85th minute winner.
Duff said: “It wasn’t a good performance but we ground out a good win.
“We managed to find two points which we’ve been better at post Christmas. That’s...
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News
Love Island finalist Tom returns to town
LOVE Island star Tom Clare returned to Barnsley for the first time since leaving the villa last week - and his mum says she couldn’t be prouder.
After being in a couple with 22-year-old Samie Elishi from London, Tom made it to the final earlier this month.
He was heavily tipped to win the whole thing and walk away from the show with his share of £50,000 - but fell short at the final hurdle....
Town amongst best for Covid bounce-back
BARNSLEY is the sixth-best town in the UK for post-Covid recovery in terms of footfall and spending.
The town has bucked the national trend after it was revealed 76 per cent of its shops survived beyond their third birthday.
The survival rate is a marked improvement from the 44 per cent recorded in 2017.
Overall, the investments have created around 1,100 full-time jobs, as well as the combination of new, existing and temporary construction jobs...
Positive growth for town’s house prices
BARNSLEY’S house prices have risen more in the last year than almost anywhere else in the country.
According to research by Zoopla, a real estate company, house prices in Barnsley have grown by eight per cent in the last year.
It ranks the town as the fourth-highest in the country, behind Wigan, Bolton and Rochdale.
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No other Yorkshire town or city has made the top ten.
Planning bid submitted for ex-snooker bar
PLANNING permission is being sought to change the use of a large town centre building in order to attract further businesses.
The building, on Peel Street, was formerly used as a snooker bar but is currently vacant.
Planning permission was granted in April 2021 to turn the site into a sports bar.
However, a further application was submitted this week to make the use of the site more flexible to attract more custom.
A report...
Heroin addiction prescriptions near 15,000 mark
ALMOST 15,000 prescriptions to treat heroin addiction were handed out in Barnsley last year, new figures have revealed.
Methadone, marketed under the brand name Physeptone, is a synthetic opioid used to help people who have a heroin addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms.
The drug is only available on prescription from GPs or drug treatment services.
Figures from the NHS OpenPrescribing service show 14,477 prescriptions for methadone were given out by GPs in the former NHS...
Sport
Wins for home boxers
Both the Barnsley boxers in action at the Metrodome on Friday night got points victories.
Dempsey Wale, from Brampton, and Grimethorpe boxing brickie Danny Hall had their hands raised by referee Andy Brook following four round contests.
Lightweight Wale, younger brother of the event's promoter Josh, saw off Hull's Luke Fash 40-36.
Wale was in a dominant mood against the much shorter man and looked to land heavily when his man was...
Dempsey on right collision course as he bids for ninth straight win
DEMPSEY Wale’s career in the ring was mapped out from the very start and his dad and trainer Mick feels he is only a couple of steps away from a shot at glory.
The Brampton lightweight, 26, headlines at the Metrodome again this evening.
It will be another solid workout for the brother of former British champion Josh, who is promoting the event.
Dempsey faces a four-round contest against Hull journeyman Luke Fash.
The...
Bethany nets stunning winner for Spurs
BETHANY England netted a long-range winner in Tottenham Hotspur’s WSL victory over fellow strugglers Leicester City on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old striker from Barnsley started Spurs’ 2-1 loss at Liverpool on Sunday, which saw them drop down a place to third-bottom.
They then won 1-0 at home to bottom club Leicester at Leyton Orient, England netting the second half winner with a fine 20-yard strike into the top right corner.
Only one side are due to...
Malcolm wins gold for England Masters
PENISTONE Footpath Runner Malcolm Rose represented England Masters at the Chester 10k and won gold in the men’s over70 age category.
Malcolm’s time of 41-05 ranked him as the number one over70 man for the 10k distance in the UK for 2023.
Penistone’s long distance runners Harriet Drouin and Rachel Liptrot took on the Haworth Hobble in challenging conditions including snow drifts taller than them. The race was 21 miles in distance and involved 2,800...
Barnsley WFC's clean sheet run ends
BARNSLEY Women’s FC lacked ‘desire and grit’ as they conceded their first league goals since January in a draw on Sunday.
The Reds looked like continuing their good form which had seen them win four of five league games without conceding a goal as they went 2-0 up at home to lowly Norton and Stockton Ancients on Sunday through Eve Marshall’s long-range strike and a penalty by Brooke Marsden.
But Norton – who lost...