Lottery grant hope for valley plans

Although the announcement does not mean that the funding is guaranteed, project workers will now be able to progress their ideas which aim to improve access to the area’s heritage.

Barnsley Council is leading the scheme with the RSPB, Rotherham Council, the Environment Agency and Natural England all also involved.

Coun Linda Burgess of Barnsley Council said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support for the Dearne Valley Area.

“It is an area that has gone through major changes but it is an area of great opportunity. The Dearne Valley is a unique living landscape but it is overlooked or misunderstood.

“It is opportunities like this that can be built on, encouraging more visitors into the area, providing people with a chance to learn new skills, making more people aware of the area and protecting the precious heritage and environment.”

Fiona Spiers, of the Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire said: “We’re delighted to be giving our initial support for this project.”