Demolition poised to begin at university's former campus

A spokesman for the university said "careful arrangements" had been put in place to protect the former Blue Coates School building and to preserve trees.

Contractors The Armoury Group will carry out the demolition, which should be completed by the end of September.

Alex Pettifer, director of estates and facilities at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We are aware of local residents' concerns about building work at the site and have done everything possible to limit any disruption the demolition work might cause.

"We are also in regular contact with local residents who have asked to be updated about our plans.

"Negotiations to redevelop the site for housing continue, but there is no further update in relation to this at this time."

A number for a 24-hour hotline for with concerns to call will be on hoardings around the site.

Meanwhile, a tower crane has been delivered to Barnsley College, which is beginning the next phase of building work on its multi-million pound new campus. The crane, which a college spokesman described as "dominating the town's skyline" will be put into action from Monday, next week.

The spokesman for Barnsley College said: "The crane will be used to install the steel frame for the new building and is anticipated to be in operation until November at the earliest.

"The building work has moved on quickly since the start of the New Year, despite the weather we have been experiencing.

Barnsley College's new campus is set to open in 2011.