Love Where You Live investment to improve the Royston Canal entrance

Improvements are being made to the canal entrance on Midland Road in Royston as part of Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live programme. 

The project will include new seating on the Trans Pennine Trail, along with refurbishing the existing compass feature and notice board. These improvements will help make the canal entrance more welcoming and accessible for everyone who uses the area, including walkers, cyclists and members of the local fishing club. 

Royston Canal is a valued local green space and wildlife hotspot, and the improvements aim to encourage more people to enjoy the area while supporting pride in the local environment. 

The project has been developed through the Royston Ward Alliance, with support from local councillors and community representatives, and is scheduled for completion by the start of April 2026. 

Councillor Makinson, Deputy Leader of the Council, said, “Royston Canal is an important space for local people, whether they’re walking, cycling or simply stopping to enjoy the area. These improvements will make the entrance more inviting and support the many different ways residents and visitors use the trail.” 

These improvements form one small part of a much bigger investment across Barnsley’s towns and villages. Through the Love Where You Live initiative, the council is bringing forward community enhancement projects in every ward. 

A total of £3.5 million is being invested in local places, supporting everything from environmental improvements to grassroots ideas shaped by residents themselves. 

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for communities, said: “Projects like this show what can be achieved when we work closely with local communities. Small, practical improvements can make a real difference to how people feel about the places they use every day, and they help protect and enhance our green spaces for the future.” 

Everyone is encouraged to get involved in Love Where You Live. Whether by joining a local project, helping to look after shared spaces, or putting forward new ideas, every contribution helps strengthen Barnsley’s communities. 

Together, local people and the council are creating places they are proud to call home. 

To find out what’s happening in your area, visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/LoveWhereYouLive.