Community brings renewed pride to Middlecliffe through Love Where You Live funding

Residents in Middlecliffe are celebrating a renewed sense of pride and community thanks to the installation of beautiful new planters at Houghton Main Sports and Social Club.  

This project in the Darfield ward has been funded through Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live programme. It’s an inspiring example of how local ideas and teamwork can transform shared spaces. 

Through the Love Where You Live programme, Barnsley Council’s is investing in neighbourhood improvements across the borough. Every ward has been allocated funding for projects that reflect local priorities, and Darfield Ward councillors chose to invest in this meaningful addition to Middlecliffe. 

The programme is all about creating cleaner, greener, and safer spaces while encouraging residents to take pride in where they live. From tackling fly-tipping and graffiti to funding parks, green spaces, and community projects like this one, Love Where You Live is helping to build stronger, more connected communities. 

The idea for the new planters began when local volunteers spoke to club members about ways to make the area more welcoming. From those conversations, the planters project was born as a small-scale improvement that would have a big impact.  

Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to make it happen, planting up the planters themselves and even organising the fitting of new signs to celebrate the effort. The South Area Council team supported behind the scenes, helping with permissions, ordering, and facilitating to ensure everything went smoothly. 

Since the planters were installed, feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. People have commented on how much brighter and more cared-for the space feels, and how these touches of greenery make a real difference to the atmosphere. It’s proof that when communities come together, even small changes can have a big impact. 

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: 
“What a brilliant example of community spirit, which is what our Love Where You Live initiative is all about. 

“Volunteers worked with residents and our Stronger Communities team to bring this project to life, and the feedback has been amazing.  

“The new planters don’t just brighten Middlecliffe, they show the pride and passion of local people. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!” 

Ward projects like this are just one way the Love Where You Live programme strengthens communities, alongside Unity and Inclusion Grants for events and activities, and our dedicated Housing and Environment Neighbourhood Task Force leading community clean-ups and maintaining housing and environmental standards 

We’re inviting everyone to get involved and help make a difference.  

Whether it’s volunteering for a local project, joining a community clean-up, or simply sharing ideas, every action counts. Together, we can show our pride in Barnsley and create neighbourhoods we’re all proud to call home. 

Find out more about Love Where You Live and how you can take part at www.barnsley.gov.uk/LoveWhereYouLive.