Barnsley Council Celebrates Community Pride and Sets Ambitious Plans for the Future

Barnsley Council is proud to share the latest results from its “Love Where You Live” research, which highlights the positive impact of investment and community-led action across the borough.

The research, commissioned as part of the council’s wider investment programme, captured views from more than 600 residents across Cudworth, Hoyland, Goldthorpe, Royston, Penistone, and Wombwell. The findings show that local pride is growing; 48% of residents are now aware of council-led initiatives, particularly the “Love Where You Live” campaign, which continues to make a visible difference in neighbourhoods.

Key Achievements

• Cleaner, Greener Neighbourhoods: Every ward has benefited from £25,000 in targeted improvements through the LWYL programme. New Neighbourhood Caretaker Teams are helping keep streets and green spaces clean and welcoming, while borough-wide projects are tackling graffiti, litter, and overgrown areas. The council’s £2.1 million investment in parks is transforming play areas, seating, and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
• Regeneration and Vibrant Town Centres: The Principal Towns and Local Centres programme has already delivered £15 million of investment, supporting high street upgrades, public realm improvements, and community-led projects. Work is underway to secure an additional £20 million to continue this regeneration and drive local economic growth.
• Safer Communities: Since 2017/18, Barnsley has seen a 36% reduction in anti-social behaviour. The council is building on this progress through the addition of more wardens, dedicated case officers, and a new 24/7 response line. Youth initiatives, including Base71 and the redevelopment of the YMCA’s HOME wellbeing hub, are providing safe, positive spaces for young people.
• Thriving Local Businesses: With over 600 business units, Barnsley’s town centre maintains a vacancy rate below the national average. Regeneration has helped attract national retailers while continuing to support independents, creating a vibrant and sustainable local economy.

Listening to Residents, Shaping the Future

Residents identified tidy public spaces, tackling anti-social behaviour, and improving local shops as their top priorities. The council is responding with targeted investment and stronger partnerships that ensure services are shaped around community feedback.

Looking ahead, the council will continue to focus on reducing crime, improving local amenities, and supporting community activity. Insights from this research will help future priorities, reinforcing Barnsley’s vision of a borough where everyone can live well and feel proud of where they live.

Councillor Wendy Cane, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, Said, “Barnsley is a borough built on pride, resilience, and a strong sense of community. The ‘Love Where You Live’ programme shows what we can achieve when we work together. I’m delighted to see the progress we’ve made, from cleaner streets and upgraded parks to safer neighbourhoods and thriving local businesses.

We know there’s more to do, but we’re determined to build on this momentum and keep improving the places people call home. Thank you to everyone who took part in the research and continues to shape Barnsley’s future.”