A RECYCLED bike scheme has seen Barnsley Council put forward for an award.

The council has been shortlisted for the 2018 Public Sector Transformation Awards which recognises projects that have delivered the biggest improvement in the lives of residents and local businesses.

The council will be competing in the ‘transformation in environmental services’ category for its recycled bike scheme at a ceremony in London on Tuesday. The award celebrates projects using waste to improve customer experience and environmental services.

The recycled bike scheme uses bikes ‘tipped’ by residents at the borough’s household waste recycling centres. It then carefully repairs and restores them for reuse.

The project - run by the council’s waste management and parks service, alongside FCC Environment and Cycle Penistone CIC - has also been shortlisted in the Local Government Chronicle awards.

Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesman, said: “Barnsley Council is extremely proud to be nominated for such a prestigious award. We’re looking forward to showcasing our partnership working with other organisations across the country.

“The nomination is proof of the time and dedication our staff, partners and volunteers commit. Together we are working to create a sustainable and stronger borough for the people of Barnsley.”

Unwanted bikes can be taken to any of Barnsley’s four recycling centres or residents can email hwrcpermits@barnsley.gov.uk to arrange collection.