Love Where You Live lights up Darton to make the community safer

Residents in the Darton area are now enjoying safer, brighter streets following the completion of improved lighting along a well-used public footpath funded by Barnsley Council’s Love Where You Live programme.  

The upgrade to the pathway connecting Inglewood to Oaks Farm Drive is a key step in Barnsley Council’s commitment to creating cleaner, greener, and safer neighbourhoods.  

It was delivered as part of a Community Enhancement Ward Project chosen by Darton East ward councillors and resident and saw the installation of modern, energy-efficient LED streetlights 

This investment also forms part of Barnsley Council’s wider commitment to reducing violence against women and girls by making public spaces safer and more accessible. Improved streetlighting is a proven measure to help people feel secure when travelling at night, supporting confidence and inclusion across our communities.  

Councillor Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said:  

“This is a fantastic example of how listening to our communities and investing in local infrastructure can make a real difference. Improved lighting not only helps people feel safer, but it also supports healthier, more active lifestyles by making it easier to walk and cycle in the evenings. It’s wonderful to see Darton benefiting from this enhancement.”  

We’re proud to be joining forces with partners, local communities, and national initiatives to make Barnsley a safer place for everyone. By working together, we can tackle issues that matter most and create neighbourhoods where people feel safe and supported.  

This project is part of Barnsley Council’s £3.5 million investment to make our neighbourhoods better through the Love Where You Live programme. It’s all about bringing people together and creating spaces that residents can be proud of, while working together to improve and enhance their local communities.  

Every ward is getting improvements that matter to local people, and we’re also putting £2.1 million into parks and green spaces so everyone has great places to relax, play, and enjoy the outdoors.  

We’ve set up a Housing and Environment Neighbourhood Task Force to tackle things like fly-tipping, graffiti, and other issues that affect how our streets look and feel. Plus, our Unity and Inclusion Grants are helping fund events and activities that bring communities together and celebrate what makes Barnsley special.  

Councillor James Higginbottom, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment and Highways, added:  

“We’re proud to deliver improvements that reflect the needs of our residents. The new lighting in Darton is part of our wider commitment to sustainable infrastructure and safer streets. It’s also a great example of how the Love Where You Live campaign is helping to build stronger, more connected communities across Barnsley.”  

We’re inviting everyone to get involved and help make a difference. Whether it’s joining a community clean-up, volunteering your time, attending local events and activity sessions, or simply trying something new, every action counts.  

Together, we can show our pride in Barnsley and create neighbourhoods we’re all proud to call home.  

Find out what’s happening near you and how you can take part at www.barnsley.gov.uk/LoveWhereYouLive.