£100,000 boost for public open spaces

MORE than 100,000 is set to be spent on improving public open spaces in Wombwell, Barnsley, after land was sold to make way for new housing developments in the area.

When planning permission was granted for the housing developments at Park Street and at the old Brampton service station, the developers were asked to contribute money towards providing new open space in the neighbourhood.

A sum of 76,692 was gained from the Park Street development and 25,346 from the Brampton petrol station scheme, making 102,038 altogether.

At a Barnsley Council cabinet committee meeting on Wednesday members agreed that the money should be spent on four projects in Wombwell.

These are creating a new “multi-use” games area at Everill Gate recreation ground, building an improved parking area at Wombwell cricket ground, improving play equipment at Summer Lane recreation ground and installing lighting at the Aldham House recreation ground.

Coun Roy Miller of Barnsley Council said: “Wombwell residents are already seeing improvements to the area in terms of new-build housing, but this associated Section 106 money will bring more exciting facilities for people in the area.

“A big thanks is also extended to the Wombwell ward members for all their hard work and support for these projects.”

In 2005, developer Bonusville Ltd built 23 new homes on the Brampton service station site. Planning permission was then granted last year for the Chevin Housing Association to build a new estate on land off Park Street.

Work was stalled on this housing scheme because of the recession, but began earlier this year after the housing association received approval from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for “Kickstart” funding of 3.6m.