Annaleece Longmore

Church View Children’s Place, a new specialist children’s home in Hoyland, Barnsley, is expected to open later in 2026 after Ofsted inspection and registration. Its first phase, The Bungalow, will provide long-term residential care for up to six young people aged seven to 19 with autism, disabilities and complex medical needs. A second phase, the Manor House, will offer respite care and include a hydrotherapy pool. Owners Louise and Eddie Riby expect the completed project to cost £2.5 million, employ 120 to 130 staff and help address demand for specialist care across South Yorkshire.

Plans by Jaxx Irish Bar to convert a former Greggs site on Bawtry Road, Wickersley, into a venue with live music, indoor and outdoor seating, and alcohol sales are facing objections from 13 residents, Rotherham Council’s Licensing Authority, Wickersley Parish Council and Councillor Thomas Collingham. Opponents cite noise from customers, outdoor drinking, litter and the area’s existing concentration of night-time businesses. The site lies within Wickersley’s Cumulative Impact Zone, where council policy generally discourages additional alcohol and late-night licences unless applicants can show they will not worsen local impacts. Rotherham Council’s licensing sub-committee is due to consider the application on August 25, 2026.

South Yorkshire Police attended Lindley Street in Eastwood, Rotherham, after a man was reportedly assaulted by two men on August 9, 2026. The victim suffered no serious injuries and the suspects were not found. Residents say anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, drug use, public drinking and late-night noise have affected the area for years. Rotherham Council says it is working with police, community groups, residents, landlords and businesses to improve safety and environmental conditions, and urges witnesses to report criminal activity.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is planning to invest £90 million in a new Supertram fleet as the current vehicles approach the end of their operational life. The proposed trams would offer improved accessibility, more space for bikes, wheelchairs and pushchairs, air conditioning and better passenger information. A public survey running from 10 August to 18 September will help shape the designs before manufacturers are invited to bid, as part of the wider £1.5 billion South Yorkshire People’s Network transport programme.

Rostislav Pecha and Helena Pechova, both from Eastwood, were each fined £1,177 at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court after Rotherham Council linked their addresses to a fly-tip containing about 23 bags of household waste on Aldwarke Lane. Both failed to respond to formal interviews and did not appear in court. Residents say fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour have persisted for more than a decade despite a Public Spaces Protection Order, with reports of dumped furniture, appliances, nappies and worsening rat problems.

Chancellor and Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP John Healey has reaffirmed his opposition to the proposed Whitestone Solar Farm across parts of Doncaster and Rotherham. The 750MW project would operate for 60 years and potentially power around 250,000 homes, although its proposed footprint has reportedly been reduced by 17 percent from the original 3,500 acres. Healey argues that the scheme combines three geographically separate areas, is disproportionate and has not involved meaningful consultation. He supports renewable energy development when projects are safe, fair and appropriately scaled, and urged residents to register their views with the Planning Inspectorate.

Ehren Holt, an 18-year-old Green Party candidate in the Penistone East by-election, says poor public transport links are among Barnsley’s biggest challenges. He highlights a bus from Ingbirchworth that runs every 90 minutes and arrives too late for a train to Barnsley, arguing that bus and rail services need to be coordinated. Holt, who has recently completed his A-levels and plans to attend university, also aims to present himself as a locally rooted and approachable candidate. The by-election is scheduled for 20 August 2026, with voters required to register by 4 August.

Reform UK has selected Eunice Asante as its candidate for the August 20, 2026 by-election in Penistone East, Barnsley. The contest was triggered by the resignation of Reform councillor Kay Hughes, who stepped down for personal reasons eight weeks after being elected. Asante said she would continue Reform’s work on council spending, the mayor’s office, local roads and countryside protection. Eight candidates are listed, including Labour’s former councillor John Roberts, and Barnsley Council said the formal candidate list would be announced on July 24. Voters were urged to register by August 4.

Barnsley Labour has selected former councillor John Roberts as its candidate for the Penistone East by-election on 20 August 2026. Roberts previously represented the area from 2024 until losing his seat to Reform UK’s Kay Hughes by 37 votes in the May local elections. Hughes resigned eight weeks after being elected, triggering the by-election. Eight candidates are listed, while Barnsley Council is due to formally confirm them on 24 July; voters must register by midnight on 4 August.

Restore Britain candidate David Wood, a 68-year-old businessman and former Penistone councillor, says improving Barnsley’s roads and expanding facilities for children with special educational needs and disabilities are his priorities in the Penistone East by-election on August 20, 2026. The report also outlines his previous political affiliations, a resolved complaint about historic social-media posts, and the full list of candidates. Voters were reminded to register by August 4.

A coroner has warned that future deaths could occur unless mental-health services improve communication after the suicide of 14-year-old Barnsley teenager Ollie Lee in October 2024. Hannah Berry’s prevention of future deaths report identified poor coordination among CAMHS, targeted early help, Ollie’s school and other agencies, including missed reporting of self-harm, discharge from services after a communication failure, and failure to act on Ollie’s pronoun preference. Recommendations were issued to Barnsley Council, Barnsley Academy and South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust, although the coroner said it could not be established whether the missed mental-health support caused or contributed to Ollie’s death.

Wigtox Lounge, a sports bar and community venue on South Street in Rawmarsh, is seeking permission to extend its opening hours, create a front outdoor drinking area, enlarge its rooftop terrace and add a small rear extension. The latest application is open for public comments until August 18, 2026. Previous proposals attracted objections over late-night noise and antisocial behaviour but received greater support from residents citing the venue’s family and community functions. Licensing and planning approvals must align before the changes can proceed.

James Swallow-Gaunt, a Barnsley parent campaigning for special educational needs reform, says parents who criticise the council are being vilified, threatened with cease-and-desist letters and potentially subjected to safeguarding scrutiny. He argues that Barnsley lacks an independent parent and carer forum and says the deaths of four children, alongside alleged failures in SEND support, expose a health crisis despite the council receiving top marks in a 2026 inspection. Barnsley Council says safeguarding enquiries are only opened where there is evidence of possible significant harm or neglect, not because parents complain or advocate for their children, and says it remains committed to improving support.

Liberal Democrat candidate Andrew Waters is seeking election in the August 20 Penistone East by-election in Barnsley after losing his Dodworth council seat in the May elections. He says he wants to address speeding, potholes and fly-tipping, while promoting a more inclusive and less divisive council. Voters are urged to register by midnight on August 4.

Residents in Eastwood, Rotherham, say they have faced fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour for more than a decade, including discarded furniture, dirty nappies and rodent carcasses. Following a community meeting, Rotherham MP Sarah Champion expressed solidarity with residents and said she had raised the issue with the council and police for over ten years. Although Rotherham Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order in 2019 and renewed it in 2022 through 2028, Champion said existing efforts had not produced a lasting solution and called for a new approach centered on residents.

Barnsley Metrodome has applied to extend its alcohol-serving licence until 4am on weekdays and its opening hours until the same time, while retaining shorter Sunday hours. The leisure venue, which includes bars, event spaces, a café, water park and swimming facilities, is accepting public comments on the application until August 4. A £499,414 Sport England grant will fund photovoltaic panels at the complex.

Rosehill Victoria Park in Rawmarsh, Rotherham, has received refurbished tennis courts, new nets and posts, upgraded fencing, outdoor gym equipment and playground improvements. Councillor Joanna Baker-Rogers said the park is central to the community and accessible to residents in Rawmarsh West and East. The upgrades include a year-round coached tennis programme funded through the Lawn Tennis Association’s Parks Tennis initiative, while councillors are also supporting local groups and prioritising health and wellbeing, heritage and the reduction of anti-social behaviour.

Liberal Democrat Penistone mayor Hannah Kitching argued that Pride events remain important amid concerns about declining LGBTQ+ rights, particularly for transgender people. Speaking at Barnsley Pride, she criticized Barnsley Council’s decision under Reform control to stop flying the Pride flag, describing it as a possible sign of broader changes and urging allies to show support for the community. Kitching has also been appointed to the House of Lords through a lifetime peerage.

Attendees at Barnsley Pride observed a minute's silence for 14-year-old Ollie Lee, who died by suicide in October 2024 after years of bullying, including physical and homophobic attacks at Barnsley Academy. An inquest found missed opportunities and poor communication between agencies had contributed to failures in providing appropriate mental-health support. Ollie's mother, Courtney Lee, urged people to remember her daughter's life and to protect young people so they feel safe, accepted and loved.

Barnsley is set to become the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town, with a council consultation exploring how artificial intelligence could benefit healthcare, education, businesses and public services. Tom Davidson, Barnsley Hospital’s ICT director, said AI could reduce clinicians’ administrative workload and give staff more time to support patients. The hospital is already using ambient voice technology to record and summarise patient consultations for other healthcare services involved in their care.

Residents of Eastwood in Rotherham say more than a decade of fly-tipping, rats and anti-social behaviour has made the area unsafe and unliveable. They criticise what they see as inadequate council and police action, citing dumped household waste, drug use, public drinking, late-night noise and rodent carcasses. Rotherham Council says it regularly clears waste and has issued 50 warning letters, nine fixed-penalty notices and secured three convictions over the past year, but acknowledges that more needs to be done.

Rotherham councillors have discussed plans to develop a health hub in a former Boots building on Effingham Street, with around 30 clinical spaces. The proposed facility would bring together primary care, mental health, community and acute services, improve access to healthcare, reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals, and help address health inequalities while supporting town-centre regeneration. Abbey Pharmacy has already relocated to the building in a first phase costing an estimated £1.3 million; design work for the second phase is estimated at £400,000 and requires detailed proposals and funding approval from the council cabinet.

Barnsley Council has confirmed nine candidates for the Penistone East by-election on August 20, the first Barnsley by-election since the May 2026 local elections. The contest was triggered by Reform UK councillor Kay Hughes resigning eight weeks after her election for personal reasons. Candidates represent Reform UK, the Conservative Party, the Green Party, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Restore Britain and two independents. Voters must register by midnight on August 4 to participate.

Rotherham recorded England’s sixth-highest smoking quit rate in 2025/26, according to NHS England data. Of 749 local referrals, 321 people set quit dates and 206 were confirmed to have stopped smoking, producing a 64.2% success rate compared with 34.8% nationally. Rotherham Council’s director of public health, Emily Parry-Harries, attributed the results to the local Rotherham Healthwave service and encouraged residents to use its free support.

A licensing hearing for Hewad Shinwari’s proposed convenience shop on Monkwood Road in Rawmarsh was adjourned after he was unable to answer council questions in English and relied on his landlord to translate. Resident Pireanthiraah Ramanathan questioned whether the translated responses were reliable and how Shinwari had completed the required licensing training exam. Other residents objected to the shop’s proximity to a school and raised concerns about underage access to alcohol, anti-social behaviour, litter, noise and disorder. An independent translator will be appointed before the hearing resumes.

Barnsley Council says the alleged £30 million financial “black hole” is a projected funding gap covering 2027–2030, rather than money already missing from its accounts. A £23 million gap was identified when the 2026 budget was set, with a further £7 million projected for the following year. Council leaders say rising demand for children’s and adult social care is increasing financial pressure, and that an existing savings strategy will be reviewed and expanded to maintain a balanced budget and protect services.

A Barnsley Labour councillor faces a code of conduct complaint after allegedly saying “Ich Heil” during a council meeting while discussing a Reform UK councillor’s tattoo, which had previously drawn attention for resembling a swastika. Deputy Mayor Michael Davies condemned the remark as offensive, while councillor Joe Hayward said he was misheard and accused others of exploiting the incident politically. Barnsley Council confirmed receipt of the complaint, and the Labour group stated the standards process will proceed without further comment.

A Reform councillor accused Barnsley Labour of antisemitism after criticism of her husband’s tattoo, which she said was a Buddhist symbol he later removed due to misinterpretation. Labour councillors rejected the allegation and called for his resignation, arguing the tattoo resembled a swastika. Barnsley Council confirmed no antisemitism complaint had been filed.

Reform UK will not introduce its promised Musk-inspired Department of Local Government Efficiency team to audit Barnsley Council, saying internal expertise makes it unnecessary. Labour councillor James Higginbottom criticised the decision as a broken election promise and challenged claims of a £30 million budget gap, while Reform representatives insisted such a shortfall exists in future projections despite the council’s legal obligation to balance annual budgets.

Rotherham Council approved a motion urging the government and local NHS bodies to oppose or pause the expansion of Palantir’s NHS Federated Data Platform. The motion follows NHS England’s award of a seven-year contract worth up to £330 million to Palantir in 2023 and raises concerns about the handling of sensitive patient information, including health, disability, and sexual and reproductive health data. It calls for scrutiny of Palantir’s use of data and consultation with residents, while councillors and Rotherham Friends of Palestine argue that the company’s links to US immigration surveillance and Israel’s Ministry of Defence make the contract unacceptable.

Barnsley’s Reform-led council administration approved a policy limiting town hall flags to the Union Flag, St George’s Cross and the Barnsley council flag, with exceptions for Remembrance Day, Yorkshire Day and Armed Forces Week. Reform councillor Edward Dillingham criticised what he called “woke ideology” and the use of the town hall to promote pressure-group causes. Labour councillors proposed flying the Pride flag during June, along with flags representing Barnsley’s twin towns, but their amendment was rejected. Labour leader James Higginbottom defended Pride as a symbol of acceptance and belonging. The original policy passed despite several councillors abstaining.

Independent Rotherham councillor Taiba Yasseen is proposing a motion urging Rotherham Council and the national government to end NHS England’s seven-year, potentially £330 million contract with Palantir for the NHS Federated Data Platform. The motion cites concerns about access to sensitive patient information, Palantir’s surveillance work for US immigration and its partnership with Israel’s Ministry of Defence. It calls for local NHS trusts to halt further expansion and the addition of new datasets, for council scrutiny of data use and public consultation, and for Rotherham Council to prohibit Palantir from processing council information. The motion is scheduled for discussion on July 15, 2026, while a parliamentary committee has recommended invoking a February 2027 break clause and finding a UK-based or NHS-developed replacement.

Independent councillor Jodie Ryalls is urging Rotherham Council to strengthen safety measures at open-water sites after the deaths of 16-year-old Muhammad Secka at Rother Valley Country Park and 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift in the River Don. Her proposed motion calls for public education, the adoption of Sam’s Law, a review of council-managed water sites and staffing, and support for a national Minister for Water Safety and Drowning Prevention. The motion is due to be considered by the full council on 15 July 2026.

Barnsley councillors rejected Enviromena’s proposal for a major solar farm on green belt land despite officer recommendations, citing concerns about visual impact, wildlife, noise and traffic. Supporters argued the project would significantly cut CO2 emissions and support climate goals. An appeal is expected.

Barnsley Council has scheduled a by-election in Penistone East for 20 August 2026 after Reform councillor Kay Hughes resigned eight weeks after winning the seat in the May local elections, citing personal reasons. Candidates will be announced on 24 July, and voters are urged to register by 4 August. Council leader Williams Brown praised Hughes's work and expressed his best wishes to her and her family.

Reform UK councillor Kay Hughes has resigned from Barnsley Council’s Penistone East ward eight weeks after winning election in May, citing personal reasons. Her resignation triggers a by-election expected to take place in August, although the exact date has not been confirmed. Council leader William Brown praised Hughes’s work and wished her and her family well.

The Sportsman Inn in Parkgate, Rotherham, faces possible alcohol-licence revocation after police raised safeguarding and compliance concerns. The licence holder, Daniel Havenhand, allegedly failed to cooperate with efforts to obtain CCTV following a Christmas Day 2025 assault and did not complete an agreed improvement action plan. Police also found that staff sold alcohol to two 17-year-olds during a test purchase and lacked adequate training. South Yorkshire Police’s chief constable is seeking revocation, with Rotherham Council’s licensing sub-committee due to consider the case on July 14.

Rotherham Council’s licensing sub-committee has decided to revoke the alcohol licence of Today’s convenience shop on Ox Close Avenue in Kimberworth Park after safeguarding concerns involving children. South Yorkshire Police and the Rotherham Safeguarding Children Partnership cited evidence that children were allowed or invited into the premises’ rear area, inadequate staff-training evidence, and a test purchase that breached the licence conditions. The shop owner’s solicitor argued that advice and guidance would be more proportionate than revocation and warned that the decision could cost staff their jobs. The licence holder has 21 days to appeal.

Rotherham Council had £5.586 million in unpaid council tax for 2025/26, up from £4.978 million the previous year and £4.829 million in 2023/24. The council collected £165.908 million and reported a 97.19% collection rate as of 1 June 2026, which it expects to rise to about 99% as recovery efforts continue. It obtained 8,712 liability orders and referred 4,565 cases to enforcement agents, while writing off £82,900 as unrecoverable. The figures follow a 3% council tax increase linked partly to rising social care demand and come amid continued cost-of-living pressures.

Barnsley councillors are set to review a proposal from Enviromena Project Management UK Ltd for a 49.9MW solar farm on green belt land near Grimethorpe. Residents and local officials have raised concerns about loss of agricultural land, visual impact, wildlife effects, noise, and traffic, while supporters emphasize low-cost energy, local investment, and significant carbon reductions. The project, intended to operate for 40 years, forms part of broader climate targets and will be considered at a July 14, 2026 planning meeting.

Barnsley Council plans to scale back its school uniform support scheme, discontinuing year 11 study packs and limiting assistance to transition-year pupils. The revised plan would reduce overall funding from previous levels to £430,000, with £50 allotted for primary pupils and £100 for secondary pupils. Local Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green representatives sharply criticise the proposal, arguing it will remove vital cost‑of‑living support from thousands of families. The decision is scheduled for discussion by the council cabinet on July 15.

Rotherham Council defended its £570,000 Street Safe Team after Conservative councillor Joshua Bacon questioned whether residents outside the principal towns were benefiting from the scheme. Council leader Chris Read acknowledged that places such as Parkgate need further investment but said resources were limited. Since patrols began in November 2025 across Rotherham, Wath, Swinton, Dinnington and Maltby, the team has completed 960 patrol hours in one month, issued 37 Community Protection Warnings and 20 Fixed Penalty Notices, and worked with police and community partners to address anti-social behaviour.

Rotherham Council has scrapped plans for around 16 council homes on Grayson Road in Greasbrough after surveys found significant additional costs linked to ground conditions and drainage infrastructure. The council deemed the project financially unviable and poor value for residents. The site will be reconsidered under a forthcoming Housing Growth Framework, while the wider programme remains on track to deliver 1,000 council homes by summer 2027.

Newman School in Whiston, Rotherham, has been awarded funding through the Strategic School Improvement Capital Budget for a new block on its main site and refurbishment of its listed corridor. The works are scheduled for 2026/27 and 2027/28, following the Department for Education’s decision to re-broker the school’s existing multi-academy trust arrangement and appoint TEAM Education Trust to manage it. A contractor has already been secured, following an earlier £4.5 million project that replaced pre-World War II buildings with new classrooms and specialist facilities.

Rotherham Council’s £570,000 Safe Street Team initiative drew scrutiny as Conservative councillor Joshua Bacon questioned whether residents outside principal towns were benefiting from the investment. A progress report showed enforcement actions and police support since patrols began in late 2025. Council leader Chris Read defended prioritising areas identified as residents’ main concerns, while signalling openness to potential expansion if funding increases.

A survey of 3,334 Rotherham Council tenants found overall satisfaction with social housing at 77.6% in 2025/26, with mixed results across individual measures. Satisfaction with home safety and repair services improved, while tenants felt less listened to and were less satisfied with the council’s management of anti-social behaviour. Communal-area satisfaction had previously recorded the largest decline, prompting the council to invest an additional £135,000 in caretaking; satisfaction with communal areas subsequently improved by 4.8 percentage points.

A Barnsley-based domestic abuse charity, Independent Domestic Abuse Services, launched its Show Domestic Abuse the Red Card campaign during the World Cup to raise awareness of increased risks of abuse during major sporting events. Research is highlighted showing domestic abuse incidents rising following England matches. The initiative aims to use football’s visibility to promote recognition of abuse signs and encourage community support for victims. The charity reports high demand for its services and stresses that help remains available to anyone in need.

Rotherham Council reports delivering 808 of its targeted 1,000 new council homes ahead of the summer 2027 deadline, with a mix of rental and shared-ownership properties built or acquired since 2018. New-build projects include converting Hurley Croft Neighbourhood Centre and developing additional sites in Wath and Thornhill. Demand remains high with 4,800 households registered, while progress has been offset by 1,376 homes sold under the Right to Buy scheme.

Rotherham councillors received a combined £987,479.98 in allowances and expenses during 2025/26, according to a Freedom of Information request. Council leader Chris Read received the highest total, £41,187.96, while cabinet members and committee chairs received additional Special Responsibility Allowances. The council said an independent body recommends allowance levels and that Rotherham's basic allowance is the fourth lowest in Yorkshire, with the leader's special allowance the lowest in the region.

Rotherham Council has opened the £6.4 million Castle View Day Centre for people with autism and learning disabilities. The facility brings together 38 service users from two former sites and includes activity rooms, classrooms, sensory spaces, gardens and accessible features. Councillor Joanne Baker-Rogers praised the building and said a phased transition, preceded by individual care reviews and visits, minimized anxiety and maintained continuity of care. The move was completed ahead of schedule after customers chose to transfer sooner than expected.

Rotherham schools could receive £4.1 million in government funding for building improvements, maintaining mainstream school places and expanding provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. The proposed programme includes more than £720,000 for priority maintenance projects and £3.4 million from the High Needs Capital Allocation for accessibility, inclusion, special-school growth and alternative provision. Plans also include redevelopment work at Newman School, while the council reports that previous funding improved facilities across 16 schools and delivered SEND projects at 36 schools.

Labour councillor Jo Newing, who had been expected to become Barnsley’s mayor after serving as deputy mayor, was passed over when the new Reform administration appointed Liam Hardcastle. Newing stepped in to deliver a speech and present awards at a Refugee Week event at Barnsley Town Hall after the mayor did not attend. Labour councillor Nicola Sumner criticized the decision as breaking established civic protocol and suggested political differences had influenced the mayor’s absence, while Barnsley Council said both the mayor and deputy mayor were unavailable because of prior commitments.