Plan for village's new school go on display this week

Blueprints for the "village centre" development have been drawn up by consultants Gillespies following a public consultation in August 2008.

During that consultation, 83 per cent of respondents said they supported the proposals to purchase and demolish properties in Main Street to create a site for a new school in the centre of Goldthorpe.

From about 108 houses that were identified for acquisition, so far 59 have been purchased and demolition is due to start in the autumn.

A spokesman for Barnsley Council said: "The new plans include changes to design of the streetscape for Doncaster and Barnsley Road to make it more compact, pedestrian-friendly and vibrant.

"In addition, outline designs for a new school and the proposed new residential areas have been developed.

"Improvements to shop fronts and suggestions for relocation of the market are also included.

"Goldthorpe residents are to be asked for their opinions on what the character of the village centre should be by making choices on paving colours, street furniture and planting.

"Ideas for improving green spaces and linkages within Goldthorpe are included in the masterplan."

Barnsley Council staff will now be working with Gillespies at a series of exhibitions, at which members of the public can see and comment on the proposals. Exhibitions will be held tomorrow from 8.30am to 2.30pm at Goldthorpe Market; on Thursday, June 17 at Goldthorpe Reform Club from 10am to 3pm, at Goldthorpe Library from 3.20pm to 6.20pm and

at the Scout Hut in Lockwood Road from 6.30pm to 8pm; and on Friday, June 18 at the Netto supermarket in High Street from 10am to 3pm.