A businesswoman is spearheading a campaign to "put the love back into Hoyland" in an effort to boost the town's shops and traders.
Businesses, including those in the market, say trade is flagging because of uncertainty over the long-awaited town centre redevelopment, tough economic conditions and growing competition from big businesses.
Some business owners fear the new Tesco superstore which opened last week will 'steal' trade away from smaller shops.
But Charlotte Oughton, who runs the Allotment Deli in the Hoyland Centre, is fighting back and rallying local businesses to get together. She wants to form a new group and is asking businesses to share information and mutually beneficial projects, such as joint advertising promotions
She added: "It's about getting some love back into Hoyland businesses. I'm determined to bring Hoyland to the fore."
Other business owners were concerned that the "scruffy" look of the town centre was putting people off. Cathy McVey, of hair and beauty salon Sophisticutz, said: "I would like to get someone from Barnsley Council down here to put up signs reminding people there is a fine for dropping litter. Shop owners could also spend five minutes at the end of the day sweeping up outside their premises."
** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated September 26. **
