Barnsley news, sport, events and what&#x27;s on

Formal strike ballot opens at six Barnsley council nurseries over pension fears

GMB has moved to a formal strike ballot across six council-run nurseries in Barnsley over pension arrangements linked to plans to transfer them to another provider.

Barnsley Council cabinet to consider major AI and automation plan

Cabinet is being asked to approve an Innovation and AI plan that could deliver £1.865 million in planned efficiencies between 2026 and 2029.

Cabinet asked to approve £7.37 million specialist school plan at Worsbrough Bridge

Barnsley Council is being asked to approve a £7.37 million scheme to create 40 specialist primary-school places at The Mill in Worsbrough Bridge.

Barnsley FC return to action at Fleetwood Town in EFL Trophy

The Reds travel to Highbury Stadium on Tuesday 6 October for their second EFL Trophy group game, with both sides still looking for a first win.

Published 6 Oct 2026, 05:36 · 17h ago

Wombwell Town and Dearne & District in action on Tuesday

Two Barnsley-area non-league sides are on the road in Northern Counties East Football League fixtures.

Published 6 Oct 2026, 05:36 · 17h ago

Stress Busting Nature Crafts session at The Junction, Wombwell

A two-hour workshop in Wombwell focuses on relaxing, nature-inspired creative activities.

Published 6 Oct 2026, 05:36 · 17h ago

Barnsley College hosts Indian street food course

A one-night hands-on course at the Old Mill Lane campus explores dishes and techniques inspired by Indian street food.

New free art exhibition opens in Barnsley

A brand-new free art exhibition is now open for people to enjoy in Barnsley.

£270,000 invested in three local playgrounds

Three playgrounds in the Barnsley area are set to benefit from a £270,000 investment.

Another £744,593 to help Barnsley get active

Barnsley has secured £744,593 from Sport England to support the Active in Barnsley Partnership.

Barnsley Council to consider major AI and automation plan

Cabinet is being asked to approve an Innovation and AI plan that could bring £1.865 million in planned efficiencies between 2026 and 2029.

Published 5 Oct 2026, 19:28 · 1d ago

OPEN LETTER TO BARNSLEY COUNCIL

Barnsley Essentials has written to Barnsley Council seeking answers on safety, antisocial behaviour and lift and escalator faults at Barnsley Bus Station.

Almost 10,000 pumpkins coming to Cannon Hall Farm

Cannon Hall Farm's popular pumpkin patch returns from Saturday 10 October.

New bereavement leave rights welcomed by Barnsley MPs

Barnsley MPs have welcomed national changes which will expand employees' rights to bereavement leave.

MiCard warning over anti-social behaviour at Barnsley Interchange

Young people involved in anti-social behaviour could lose their free MiCard bus travel.

£7.37 million specialist school proposal for Worsbrough Bridge

Plans to create 40 new specialist primary-school places in Barnsley are due to be discussed by Cabinet.

Business

Europe's first two-legged delivery robot trial underway in Barnsley

Evri has launched what it says is Europe's first trial of a two-legged autonomous delivery robot.

New Local Plan could shape Barnsley for years

Barnsley Council could formally begin work this week on a completely new Local Plan.

Extra £10 million proposed to tackle Barnsley potholes

Barnsley Council is preparing to consider an additional £10 million investment in road repairs over the next four years.

Hands-on science workshop for home-educated children in Barnsley

A hands-on science workshop on evolution takes place at Library @ the Lightbox in Barnsley town centre today, Monday 5 October.

Three Barnsley-area non-league sides on the road on Tuesday

Wombwell Town, Dearne and District and Worsbrough Bridge Athletic all travel for fixtures on Tuesday 6 October.

Barnsley-born John Stones given four penalty points for speeding

Barnsley-born England defender John Stones has received four penalty points after admitting a speeding offence in Cheshire.

Barnsley FC travel to Fleetwood Town in EFL Trophy on Tuesday

Barnsley FC return to action at Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday 6 October, before league action at Stockport County on Saturday 10 October.

Smithies recycling centre stays shut as drainage work overruns

Smithies Household Waste Recycling Centre remains temporarily closed after drainage improvement work took longer than expected.

Transport

Road closures and speed restriction begin across Barnsley borough

Several road closures and a temporary speed restriction come into force around Barnsley from today, Monday 5 October.

Strike ballot opens at six Barnsley nurseries over pension fears

Workers at six Barnsley Council nurseries begin a formal strike ballot today over pensions and plans to transfer the sites to private provider Limetree.

Oakwell could host Wakefield Trinity's World Club Challenge after Roosters win NRL title

Oakwell has been discussed as a possible venue for rugby league's World Club Challenge after Sydney Roosters were crowned NRL champions.

School attendance misses council targets despite signs of improvement

Barnsley's latest school attendance figures missed local targets, though the council says the gap is narrowing.

Plans for 40 specialist primary school places to go before cabinet

Barnsley Council's cabinet will consider a £7.37m scheme to create 40 specialist primary school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Cabinet to start work on new Local Plan shaping homes, jobs and Green Belt decisions

Barnsley Council's cabinet is set to consider the first stage of a new Local Plan that will shape where homes, jobs, transport links, schools and health facilities are delivered across the borough.

Tough afternoon for Dearne and District

Dearne and District were beaten 4-0 at Rossington Main on Saturday 3 October.

Wombwell Town make it six league wins in a row

Wombwell Town made it six consecutive league wins with a 2-1 home victory over Club Thorne Colliery on Saturday 3 October.

Barnsley FC return to action at Fleetwood on Tuesday

The Reds travel to Fleetwood Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday 6 October before league action at Stockport County on Saturday 10 October.

£7.37m plan could create 40 specialist SEND school places

Barnsley Council's Cabinet is considering spending £7.37 million to create 40 specialist primary-school places for children with complex SEND.

Barnsley Council set to start work on new Local Plan

Barnsley Council's Cabinet is due to consider formally beginning work on a new Local Plan on Wednesday 7 October.

Strike ballot opens at six Barnsley nurseries

A formal ballot for strike action opens on Monday 5 October for workers at six Barnsley nursery sites.

Police appeal after stolen Porsche sighted in Cudworth and Grimethorpe

Police are appealing for information after a black Porsche Panamera 4S stolen during a burglary in Monk Bretton was later sighted in Cudworth and Grimethorpe but has still not been traced.

Support available for Barnsley families waiting for autism assessments

Families in Barnsley waiting for a child or young person's autism assessment are being reminded that support is available before a diagnosis, as local services continue work to tackle pressure on assessment waiting lists.

Barnsley under-18s edge past Peterborough United

Barnsley's under-18s continued their Professional Development League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Peterborough United after building a two-goal advantage before holding off a late response from the visitors.

Play Safe weekend puts safeguarding in the spotlight across football

Football clubs, coaches, parents and volunteers are being encouraged to keep safeguarding conversations going as the FA's annual Play Safe campaign puts the welfare of children and young people at the centre of the game.

Barnsley loan keeper Cieran Slicker closing in on return from injury

Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel says on-loan Ipswich Town goalkeeper Cieran Slicker is making good progress in his recovery and could be back in contention for the Reds in around two weeks.

Dearne hit five past Worsbrough Bridge in Barnsley borough NCEL derby

Dearne & District strengthened their position at the top of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division with a 5-1 derby victory over Worsbrough Bridge Athletic, helped by a Jamie Austin hat-trick.

Barnsley powerlifter Caroline Buckle brings home Commonwealth gold for England

Barnsley powerlifter Caroline Buckle has returned from the 2026 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Winnipeg with a gold medal after winning the Master 184kg equipped bench press title for England.

Some green bin collections running a day behind in Barnsley

Barnsley Council says some green-bin collections are currently running around one day behind.

Plans for up to 126 homes in Dodworth backed by planning board

Barnsley's planning board has backed outline plans for up to 126 homes on land north of Keresforth Road in Dodworth.

Penistone Town Council votes to pursue £1 Town Hall and Paramount bid

Penistone Town Council has unanimously voted to pursue its £1 bid for Penistone Town Hall, the historic building that is home to the Paramount Cinema.

Barnsley man jailed after heroin and weapons found in car

A Barnsley man has been jailed for three years and eight months after being caught with heroin and weapons while driving despite being disqualified.

Wakefield Trinity win Super League as Oakwell stays in World Club Challenge frame

Wakefield Trinity are the new Super League champions after beating Warrington Wolves at Old Trafford, keeping Oakwell in the conversation for a possible World Club Challenge.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 19:08 · 3d ago

Reds fans can snap up tickets for Reading away trip

Barnsley FC has confirmed ticket and travel details for the Reds' League One visit to Reading on Saturday 24 October.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 19:07 · 3d ago

Reds under-18s beat Peterborough United 2-1 at Oakwell

Barnsley's under-18s secured a 2-1 Professional Development League victory over Peterborough United.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 19:05 · 3d ago

Barnsley families asked to share experiences of autism assessment waits

Families in Barnsley are being invited to give feedback about the support available while children and young people wait for an autism assessment.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 19:04 · 3d ago

Barnsley lions join Pride of Yorkshire farewell at Meadowhall

All 300 Pride of Yorkshire sculptures have been brought together at Meadowhall for a final weekend before the large lions and lionesses are auctioned for charity.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 19:03 · 3d ago

Stoptober: Free help to quit smoking available across Barnsley

Smokers in Barnsley are being encouraged to try quitting this October, with free personalised support available locally.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 19:01 · 3d ago

Oklahoma! comes to Barnsley's Lamproom this month

Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Oklahoma! is being staged at the Lamproom Theatre from 13 to 17 October.

Sunday grassroots football programme across Barnsley

There is a full programme of Barnsley and District Sunday League football taking place on Sunday 4 October.

Barnsley adaptive athlete helps develop specialist gym equipment

Barnsley adaptive athlete Louise Hawkins has helped develop specialist gym equipment designed for people with limb differences.

New gallery space opens at Barnsley's Digital Media Centre

A new gallery space has opened at Barnsley's Digital Media Centre, with its first exhibition showcasing work by local artists.

Barnsley secures another £744,593 to get residents more active

Barnsley has secured a further £744,593 from Sport England to support work aimed at helping more residents become physically active.

No Barnsley FC league game at Oakwell this weekend

Barnsley FC supporters have no league match at Oakwell today after the scheduled fixture against MK Dons was postponed because of international call-ups.

Transport

MiCards can be withdrawn for anti-social behaviour

Young people using Barnsley's MiCard free bus travel scheme can have their cards withdrawn if they misuse the scheme or become involved in anti-social behaviour.

Police appeal to find missing 15-year-old Ethan from Athersley

South Yorkshire Police are asking for help to find 15-year-old Ethan, last seen on Buxton Road in Athersley on Friday 2 October.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 12:49 · 3d ago

FANCY TAKING A FORD MUSTANG FOR A SPIN AND RAISING £30 FOR BARNSLEY HOSPICE AT THE SAME TIME?

Ford will donate £30 to Barnsley Hospice for every test drive completed at the charity's Dodworth retail hub on Saturday 3 October.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 09:44 · 4d ago

Cannon Hall bookshop asks Barnsley businesses to become 'Bookshop Buddies'

A volunteer-run second-hand bookshop at Cannon Hall is looking for local businesses to help raise more money for Barnsley's museums and heritage.

Published 3 Oct 2026, 09:29 · 4d ago

Two-legged delivery robots trialled in Barnsley

Barnsley is hosting a trial of two-legged parcel-delivery robots which can carry packages, negotiate pavements and even climb steps.