A new temporary Banking Hub has officially opened its doors in Montgomery Hall in Wath upon Dearne The opening took place on Friday 20th September with local MP The Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP has been campaigning with residents to restore face to face banking services since Wath was left without any banks seven years ago The temporary Hub will be open five days a week and will remain available until the new permanent Banking Hub opens John Healey MP said: “It’s fantastic news that people in Wath and the wider area can now access face to face banking services again through a new banking hub in Montgomery Hall “There’s been a great strength of public support to restore services since the last bank closed in the town seven years ago “I’ve been campaigning since then for the people who can’t or don’t want to use online banking and for local businesses who need a bank to deposit cash It’s great to see the service back in the heart of Wath town centre.” The new hub offers a counter service operated by the Post Office where customers of all major banks can carry out regular cash transactions It also offers a Community Banker service where customers can talk to their own bank about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the Hub: Monday: Santander (09:00-13:00); NatWest (13:00-17:00) While the temporary Hub is up and running, Cash Access UK will continue to progress the plans for the permanent home for the Banking Hub. The temporary Hub will remain open until the permanent Hub opens and local residents can check for updates on www.cashaccess.co.uk/hubs/wath-upon-dearne-south-yorkshire/ CEO at Cash Access UK: “With the opening of the new temporary Banking Hub in Wath upon Dearne I am delighted to say that local residents can now enjoy access to cash and face-to-face banking services once again.” Barnsley RUFC completed their season with a 61-6 loss at Wheatley Hills The Shaw Laners finished tenth in Yorkshire Division Three with 29 points from 22 games Wath-upon-Dearne won 29-24 at home to Old Rishworthian in their final Yorkshire Division One game of the season Wath finished sixth out of 12 in their first season after promotion Yorkshire Division Four champions Dearne Valley lost 34-26 at Maltby in their final league game It was a second loss of the season but they still finished first by 19 points They are now due to host De La Salle in a cup game on Saturday ‘They’ve smashed every window in the hotel and are battering the bobbies’ “Burn them all,” says a man as he walks past me He’s referring to the people inside the hotel I’m standing in front of His comment is far from unusual — I could have opened this article with many others.  the group became febrile again in the wake of the shocking events in Southport A message left by Wendy Baker Bielby on Friday read: “Holiday Inn Manvers 12 o’clock Sunday 04/08 Protest…get the grifters gone.” Some in the group tried to argue against the idea that the people in the hotels could be held in any way responsible for the murder of three children but these voices were drowned out by a groundswell of hate a large downstairs window was smashed by the mob The glass shattered; a cheer went up from the crowd a man walked past me shouting “dirty paki cunts” to anyone who would listen The boy couldn't be much older than two.  a small counter protest by Rotherham Stand Up To Racism had been present but they’d left by the time I arrived — either moved on for their own safety by police or else justifiably frightened into leaving Initially the police didn’t seem to have enough officers there meaning parts of the hotel were left completely unprotected The rioters searched for rocks in the surrounding area before launching them at the hotel and the police Every time a rock found its target and brought down another window a huge cheer went up.  Not everyone in the 1,000-strong crowd took part in the violence or shouted racist abuse Some looked like they were just there for a laugh; a recreational riot Teenage girls giggled to each other as they shot the events on their smartphones while men on motorbikes pulled donuts on Manvers Way the road which passes by the front of the hotel Many were smoking cannabis with pungent plumes of smoke drifting across the crowd pass me a Stella,” shouted one man as he returned to his mates and the crate of lager they had brought with them I counted about three black people in the couple of hours I stayed there My impression was that the vast majority were local either to Wath-on-Dearne or South Yorkshire more generally There were Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield FC shirts among the crowd Yorkshire,” erupted when the mob threw rocks at the hotel’s windows Occasionally people could be seen at the windows some staring out in wide-eyed horror and others covering their faces with scarves a young boy in the hotel of around seven looked out of a window right at me I would love to think he knew I wasn’t one of the hate-filled people I was surrounded by I can still see him in my mind as I write this piece The confused stare of a young boy who has no idea what’s going on and why these people seem to hate him so much “It’s brutal,” one woman said into her phone behind me “They’ve smashed every window in the hotel and are battering the bobbies.” Moving round to the side of the hotel the rioters caught the police by surprise and gained entry to the hotel They were repelled but came back with a large bin and set it on fire “They’re going to burn it down,” I heard a man near me say his voice suddenly concerned over what might be about to happen For a few horrible moments I thought he was right “You’re protecting them,” one woman shouted at three police officers on horseback “They are raping and killing our kids.” One man shouted “nazis seemingly oblivious to the irony of what he’d just said including those who had brought their own children to a riot While what’s happening seemed to be a laugh for a lot of people others stood further away on the opposite side of the road looking worried; the gravity of what was taking place dawning on them At one point two police helicopters hovered high above the hotel As a journalist I would normally be asking people questions about why they were there but for the most part I was stood there open-mouthed or else genuinely scared for my safety.  By around 3pm much needed police reinforcements gave them more control An impregnable line of officers in riot gear formed around the hotel They would move several steps forward every few minutes in a coordinated move to push the mob further back some of the rioters try to set fire to an electricity transformer in the car park As they piled the bits of broken up wooden fence around the metal box I would normally listen to music on the way back from reporting but I drove home yesterday in stunned silence I saw that smaller pockets of disorder continued until nightfall with bonfires lit on Manvers Way in front of police lines South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and local MP John Healey both issued statements condemning the riots South Yorkshire Police’s assistant chief constable Lindsey Butterfield said 12 officers had been hurt in the riot while police dogs and horses had also come under attack She added that so far there had been six arrests and you will be held accountable for your part in yesterday’s violence,” she said Members of the public were out in force this morning, cleaning up the area around the hotel. But much like the Holiday Inn at Manvers, this will take a long time to fix. Share this story to help us grow- click here Win HappyPremiumSearch Rayogreatest hitssouth yorkshirenewsMore than £3m for new bus lanes to speed up travel times between Rotherham and Wath upon Dearne The plans include the creation of a 900-metre bus lane along the A633 A £3m package of bus infrastructure improvements is set to be introduced between Rotherham and Wath upon Dearne aimed at improving public transport and reducing travel times The plans include the creation of a 900-metre bus lane along the A633 Warren Vale in Rawmarsh as well as a 100-metre bus lane on the A633 Broad Street in Parkgate The works will also feature a new pedestrian crossing and alterations at the junction of Broad Street and Greasbrough Road to improve traffic flow and safety the project will introduce a new pedestrian crossing and mprovements to the Broad Street and Greasbrough Road junction The scheme is expected to improve the reliability and speed of bus services offering residents of the Dearne Valley better access to education It will also support South Yorkshire’s first electric bus routes By encouraging more people to use public transport rather than private cars the project aims to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate congestion on busy corridors like the A633 and B6089 The cost of the project will be covered by a combination of CIL funding (84%) with the remaining 16% contributed by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s capital funding and the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge imposed on new developments to fund essential local infrastructure projects Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council will oversee the future maintenance of the infrastructure and all works will take place within the public highway using permitted development rights A report to the council’s cabinet states: “The scheme will facilitate trips being made by public transport rather than by car and support the introduction of South Yorkshire’s first electric bus routes on the corridor in 2024.” Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app. One crew attended a fire involving a portable cabin on fire on Valley Drive, Wath-upon-Dearne after a call was received at 3.46am. One hose reel was used to extinguish the fire. The incident had been dealt with by 4.03am. This content was last updated on January 08th, 2025 Sign up for our bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue. You can unsubscribe at any time. PETS in the care of the RSPCA weren’t left out of the festive cheer thanks to generous staff from its call centre in Wath-upon-Dearne. The RSPCA’s National Call Centre, based in Wath-upon-Dearne, is the first point of contact for people reporting animal cruelty and neglect and staff based there wanted to help some of the pets in care at local centres to mark the charity’s special anniversary. Jill Smith, RSPCA specialist manager who started at the NCC from the first day it opened 21 years ago, said: “Since the call centre was based here, in excess of 20 million calls have come through to us and it can be stressful at times with some of the horrific cruelty we have reported to us, along with harrowing videos and photographs which people send in as part of their evidence. “But we do have a real sense of family here within the workforce and the staff have unwavering dedication towards the RSPCA and in helping to stop animal cruelty. “We have been carrying out 200 acts throughout the year for the RSPCA’s 200-year anniversary by raising funds or carrying out voluntary work at RSPCA branches. “For Christmas we decided to get in the festive spirit for our act of kindness and we handed out empty plastic tubs each with details of a pet in RSPCA care and invited staff members to fill them with treats and toys. “We then delivered the festive-filled boxes with the help of some of the children of staff to both the Doncaster and Rotherham-based RSPCA branch and also the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire branch and saw some very happy dogs and cats who were brought some cheer while they wait to find their forever home.” The RSPCA says its centres and branches are busier than ever. Last week the charity revealed how it has seen an almost 25 per cent increase in animal neglect reports during the first half of this year and fears the problem is about to get worse as more pet owners face financial hardship this Christmas. The charity also announced last month that 20,999 abandonment reports were made to its emergency line in 2023, compared to 16,118 in 2020 - a rise of 30 per cent in just three years. A surge in pet ownership during the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and the increasing financial hardships due to soaring living costs have led to the alarming increase according to the RSPCA. Jill added: “Thanks to the public supporting the RSPCA rescuers are able to help many animals but to continue this life-saving work we know only too well they need help. “We would urge animal lovers to support this amazing work and Join The Winter Rescue, and help rescuers, veterinary teams, branches and centre staff, who work tirelessly to give animals the urgent treatment and love that will save their lives.” Police were called to the High Street in Wath upon Dearne, Rotherham just before 10pm on Friday 28 June where the incident had happened outside the Red Lion pub Officers believe a group of men were outside a property when the shots were fired The 55-year-old victim was taken to hospital Her injuries are serious but not believed to be life-threatening South Yorkshire Police said evidence of a firearms discharge has been found at the scene Anyone with information is being asked to contact the force Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know Residents attempt clean-up after far-right mob attacked police smashed windows and tried to set building on fire police attacked and a fire escape briefly set ablaze with 250 people trapped inside The demonstration was to be held at noon on Sunday outside the Holiday Inn Express in Wath-upon-Dearne It is contentious locally and had become the scene of anti-immigration outrage in the past – though there were few who anticipated what a terrifying turn Sunday would take But the signs that it would be a flashpoint for violence had been there all along decades-long community tensions and a history of clashes over immigration Over a weekend of escalating violence it flared again Among the substantial group of local residents who had come to tidy up on Monday morning There was a huge sense of exasperation with their own community and those who stoked violence from farther afield Locals recalled only half an hour of peace before the first missile was thrown Within two hours more than a dozen hotel windows were broken in what police described as a “particularly sickening moment” “a concerted effort to cause … serious harm to those inside” The aftermath of the violence at the Holiday Inn Express. Photograph: Mark Waugh/The GuardianOne local resident, Susanne, said she had come for a peaceful protest on Sunday but was shocked at what began to unfold. “It was disgusting,” she said. “When I saw them attack the police, I was nearly crying.” She added: “The adrenaline was pumped and they didn’t care what trouble they get into, they were gonna keep going.” Some felt the asylum seekers – who were teenagers in some cases – had antagonised the baying rioters outside by appearing in the windows and making what they said were offensive gestures. They claimed they had seen the asylum seekers with weapons, though the Guardian understands these were most likely poles from the wardrobes and crutches that one man used to walk. Anti-fascist protesters from the local Stand Up To Racism group and the Trades Union Congress were overwhelmed early on and kettled by the violent far-right mob. One Muslim man, Muj, who had been called over from Bradford to help his frightened friend who was stuck at the scene, said he was called a racial slur. Police took them a mile away to safety. Dozens of officers were brought in from Sheffield, where an anticipated riot never unfolded, and assistance was provided by other local forces to tackle a crowd that had grown to 750 people, police later said. Read moreThey used riot shields to push violent and aggressive men back “Yorkshire” could be heard from people who said they “want our country back” Police succeeded in gaining significant ground throughout the evening some of which were set on fire from a large bonfire that filled the sky with smoke A bus stop was smashed and occasionally members of the crowd were pulled through the police line to get treatment from the ambulance as they were hit by errant missiles The officers were not as easily spooked in their fireproof riot gear standing stoic with their shields as explosives popped at their feet The perpetrators later on were exclusively young with a local 16-year-old girl saying she knew most of them from school The Guardian spoke to some of the hotel residents through a smashed second-storey window before being moved on by police Most said they were OK and gave thumbs up but one man shouted down: “I am not OK.” The asylum seekers in the hotel were taken to safety in the early hours Photograph: Mark Waugh/The GuardianIn quiet corners exhausted police were looked after by colleagues Some lay on grass verges catching their breath; others simply sat with their heads in their hands relieved officers received word their colleague who had been knocked unconscious was being treated in hospital At least 12 officers were injured in total unfold with South Yorkshire police silver command was the mayor of South Yorkshire “It genuinely made me angry and sad,” he said afterwards The asylum seekers in the hotel were eventually taken to safety in the early hours these are people who come from some of the most violent and they have come here looking for safety and faced the same sort of violence as they’ve faced at home here in South Yorkshire the South Yorkshire police assistant chief constable Lindsey Butterfield said it had been “a dark day and we know this was felt across the county” handing out bottles of water to the helpers were two local women who worked in the hotel one of whom had been behind a barricaded door and powerless in the face of the unfolding violence lips trembling as she quietly explained she was not allowed to talk to the media about what had happened “That’s your story,” her colleague said sadly Back to TOP   following violent disorder outside a hotel housing asylum seekers on Sunday Around 750 people were in attendance at the Holiday Inn Express in Wath-upon-Dearne, in Rotherham, when violence broke out. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "So far we have had six arrests, one in Sheffield and five in Rotherham, with one person already charged before the court this morning. “Please be assured, we expect this number to increase significantly in the coming days." At least 12 police officers were injured during the disorder, with items such as bricks, fenceposts and branches thrown at them. ACC Butterfield added: "Our police dogs suffered minor injuries after missiles were launched at them and horses had bricks, eggs, bottles and beer cans thrown at their heads. "They were spat at and threats made to cut the saddles in an attempt to injure the riders." A heavy police presence remains outside the hotel and in the surrounding area. ACC Butterfield branded the disorder caused by some 750 “far-right and anti-immigration” protesters “a disgusting display of thuggery”. Ms Butterfield said an initial group of 250 people had arrived on Sunday morning, with an additional 500 joining them shortly afterwards. She said the police believe they “held far-right and anti-immigration views”. “At the same time, a large crowd began to gather in Sheffield city centre, diverting a large number of force resources,” Ms Butterfield added. Speaking of the violence outside a hotel in Rotherham, she said: “There was a particularly sickening moment when a wheelie bin was pushed against the hotel and set on fire with the clear intent to cause serious harm to the residents and staff. "It was known there were people residing and working in the hotel but the mindless individuals responsible had absolutely no regard for their safety. “It was ultimately a disgusting display of thuggery, continuing well into the evening, with our policing operation only finishing around 5am.” Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know. Around 700 people were in attendance at the Holiday Inn Express in Wath-upon-Dearne, in Rotherham, when violence broke out. Rioters smashed the windows of the hotel and attempted to set fire to the building. Objects including pieces of wood and chairs were thrown at police officers lined up in front of the building, leaving one officer unconscious and others with broken bones. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said that members of the crowd who watched the violence were "absolutely complicit" in it. She also said social media users who had "spread misinformation and hate... need to take responsibility for the scenes we saw". ACC Butterfield continued: "This was not a protest, just angry people, reacting to a false narrative, shared by people who have their own motivations for doing so." Six person have been arrested, and the force said officers would be reviewing images and videos shared online to track down more offenders. They also said a heavy police presence would remain outside the hotel and in the surrounding area. South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: "The police officers on the line here were the bravest of the brave. "There were 10 police officers injured, a police horse was injured, those people were facing bricks and mortar being thrown at them by people intent on violence." Mr Coppard, who is also the police and crime commissioner, said the offices who were hurt suffered "significant injuries" including fractures. He added: "They are on the mend. They are brave, tough people. That’s why they do the job that they do. "They did the bravest of jobs yesterday standing between a far-right hate-mob and those people in the hotel." Mr Coppard confirmed that everyone living in the hotel has now been relocated. A father-of-three who was the "catalyst" for an attack on a police officer by pushing him to the ground during rioting in Rotherham has been jailed. Richard Harrison was caught on body-worn camera shoving the officer, who was holding a riot shield outside a hotel housing hundreds of asylum seekers, on 4 August. The 37-year-old, of Ings Field Lane, Wath-Upon-Dearne, was one of hundreds of people who gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express for an anti-immigration protest. In violent scenes, police were attacked and the hotel's windows were smashed. A group of rioters got into the hotel and a bin was pushed against the building and set alight. Prosecutor Neil Coxon told Sheffield Crown Court Harrison’s push was the "catalyst" for the officer being assaulted by others in the crowd, including being punched and assaulted with some kind of weapon. The court was shown multiple video clips of him at different stages in the disorder, abusing police officers as they stood behind their shields. Bianca Brasoveanu, defending, said her client was "shamed" by what he had done and added that "drink is a demon he’s been battling all his life". Harrison, who had admitted violent disorder at a previous hearing, was jailed for two years and six months. The father-of-two tried to grab a police riot shield as he took part in the violence in Rotherham. Judge Sarah Wright heard Hooley was part of a group throwing missiles at the line of officers and screaming abuse at them, although there was no evidence he threw anything himself. Judge Wright said she had read a statement from the female officer who was targeted by Hooley, in which she said: “I cannot describe or put into words how this incident has made me feel.” The judge said: “The fear and panic in the officer’s voice can clearly be heard in the footage.” The court also heard a statement from a senior officer at the scene who said: “It felt like we were fighting for our lives and the lives of the people in the hotel.” Kurt Hooley tried to grab an officer's riot shield The officer said he believed those attacking the police deliberately targeted smaller and female officers. The court heard Hooley’s partner, who was clearly upset in the public gallery, is expecting another child in October. The defendant, who is of no fixed abode, admitted violent disorder at a previous hearing. Judge Wright told him it was a “terrifying incident” and added “you were at the fore”. Hooley was jailed for two years and eight months. Rayohits radiosouth yorkshirenewsInquest opens into death of grandad jailed following Rotherham riotPeter Lynch, 61, was found dead at HMP Moorland two months after being sentenced for his part in the disorder An inquest has been hearing more about the death of a 61-year-old grandad who was found unresponsive in his cell after being sentenced for his part in the rioting in Rotherham. Peter Lynch from Wath-upon-Dearne died at HMP Moorland on October 19th, Doncaster Coroner's Court was told on Thursday (31st Oct). Doncaster's senior coroner, Nicola Mundy, opened and adjourned the inquest into Mr Lynch's death at which she was told that his preliminary cause of death was hanging. The inquest heard that "ancillary investigations" are ongoing into his cause of death and Ms Mundy said she does not yet have a full report from the pathologist. Mr Lynch was jailed for two years and eight months at Sheffield Crown Court in August by a judge who heard how he was at the front of a mob which gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express, at Manvers, Rotherham, on August 4, shouting "scum" and "child killers" at police. He was pictured holding a placard asserting the corruption of MPs, judges, the media and the police. The coroner explained to members of Mr Lynch's family, who joined the hearing by video link, how the investigation into the circumstances of his death is continuing and a full inquest will eventually be held in front of a jury. Mr Lynch's son, Casey, asked a series of questions about the investigation, saying: "I'd like it to be investigated whether my dad should've been there in the first place." And he also asked why two previous suicide attempts by his father were not "taken seriously". Casey Lynch asked the coroner if she could source the sentencing remarks of Judge Jeremy Richardson KC, saying: "I want to know what remarks he made about my dad on sentence." He also said he wanted to know why he had heard a number of different accounts of what time his father was last checked by prison officers on the night before he was found dead. The coroner assured Casey Lynch that he and his family will have input in the investigation and the further hearings, when she will decide the scope of the inquest. She urged him to supply her with the questions his family want answered and explained how her role was independent of the police and Prison Service. Earlier, Detective Sergeant Gareth Gent, of South Yorkshire Police, told the inquest how Mr Lynch was last seen alive on Friday October 18 during a roll-call at 7pm. He was found to be unresponsive and not breathing in his cell by staff the following morning and a "Code Blue" was called at 6.23am. Mr Gent said CPR was undertaken by officers until paramedics arrived and Mr Lynch was pronounced dead at 6.42am. The detective said that investigations so far indicated that nobody else had entered the cell before Mr Lynch was found dead and nobody else was involved in his death. Mr Lynch was jailed in August after body-worn camera footage was shown to the court of him screaming "you are protecting people who are killing our kids and raping them" and "scum" at police with riot shields. He was one of more than 60 men who have now been jailed at Sheffield Crown Court following the Rotherham rioting, which left 64 police officers injured, as well as four dogs and a horse. Riot police were pelted with fencing and other missiles and, at one point, an attempt was made to set light to a bin outside the hotel as some of those taking part smashed their way into the building. About 240 asylum seekers were trapped in the upper storeys while staff have told how they had to barricade themselves into a panic room downstairs, fearing for their lives. At the sentencing hearing on August 22, Judge Richardson heard how Lynch suffered from diabetes, thyroid issues, angina and had recently had a heart attack. Judge Richardson told him: "You did not yourself attack any police officer, as far as can be detected, but what you did was encourage by your conduct others to behave violently and you were part of this mob." He was filmed repeatedly challenging officers as they tried to push him back with shields, screaming "protect my children" and yelling: "We are on the streets now to protect our kids". The crown court heard how Mr Lynch, from Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, had been married for 36 years, had four adult children and three grandchildren. He was working in the packing industry but was recently made unemployed, his barrister said. Mr Lynch pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Ms Mundy adjourned the inquest to a date to be fixed. Credit: PAA 13-year-old boy who threw a lit firework at police guarding a hotel housing asylum seekers has been sentenced The teenager is the youngest person to be convicted over the trouble in Wath-upon-Dearne, near Rotherham, on 4 August. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, avoided a jail term but was given a 12-month referral order – the maximum penalty available to the judge. Sheffield Youth Court heard the teenager “willingly and enthusiastically” joined a mob which attacked the Holiday Inn Express. District Judge James Gould heard how the youngster was filmed multiple times by police body-worn cameras throwing missiles at officers with shields. The disorder led to 64 officers, three police horses and a police dog being injured. Judge Gould told the boy: “Whatever was within your reach you threw at police officers, including numerous stones. “You willingly and enthusiastically took part in that disorder.” He said: “You participated in that disorder at the highest level.” The judge said the boy told the author of a pre-sentence report that he found it “exciting”. During the 12-month-referral, the teenager will carry out work as directed by the youth offending service. Building services engineering sector apprenticeship provider, JTL, has opened a new training centre in South Yorkshire. The centre in Wath upon Dearne, will serve as a hub for electrical apprenticeships and training in green technologies. It is the result of a £2m investment and will address local skills shortages, as well as support the UK’s green skills agenda. The training centre has cutting-edge electrical engineering and plumbing workshops, classrooms, an End Point Assessment (AM2) preparation workstation and breakout areas. It will be a flagship facility for JTL, contributing to the local economy and equipping future generations with the skills needed to meet the UK’s demand for sustainable homebuilding and energy infrastructure, through a specialist ‘Green Hub’ of training for renewable technologies. Technical skills to be taught at the centre will cover renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Across the region, where JTL has training centres in South Yorkshire, Hull and York, the industry charity is currently training about 1,800 apprentices in partnership with 1,200 employers. The official opening event in Wath upon Dearne was attended by John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough. He said: “I am pleased that JTL has chosen Wath as the home of its new South Yorkshire training centre for apprentices to learn their trade. “The centre has already created 17 jobs locally through new tutors, administrators and supervisors and the plans are in place to train almost 100 new electrical apprentices from across the borough with an expansion into plumbing courses in the near future. “Apprenticeships provide our young people with a valuable pathway into critical sectors, allowing them to earn while they learn and develop the essential skills they need for their careers. “Our community is full of skilled talent and we are eager for the next generation to be able to pick up a trade and get on in life.” Sir John Low, chair of the JTL Board, added: “The opening of our South Yorkshire Training Centre marks an exciting milestone for JTL as we continue to expand our network of facilities to meet local, regional, and national skills needs. “This new centre will help to equip young people in the South Yorkshire area with the practical, hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the building services industry, particularly as we move towards a greener economy. “We are thrilled to contribute to both the local community and the wider national agenda for skills development and net-zero commitments.” Credit: PAMasked anti-immigration protestors have smashed windows and "set fire" to a hotel housing asylum seekers in South Yorkshire Objects including pieces of wood and chairs have been thrown at the Holiday Inn Express in Wath-upon-Dearne in Rotherham. Police officers who were lined up in front of the building have also had objects thrown at them. At least one officer, who was wearing riot gear, has been injured and was carried away by colleagues. The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned the "criminal, violent, attack". She said: "The criminal, violent attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers is utterly appalling. "Deliberately setting fire to a building with people known to be inside. "South Yorkshire Police have full government support for the strongest action against those responsible." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he could “guarantee” rioters will “regret taking part in this disorder” as he condemned an attack on a hotel housing asylum seekers in Rotherham and branded the action “far-right thuggery”. South Yorkshire’s mayor has condemned the "brutal thuggery" of "violence". Oliver Coppard condemned the actions of some protesters, stating: "I am utterly appalled by the violence we’re seeing in Rotherham today. "What we’re seeing is not protest, it is brutal thuggery directed at against some of the most vulnerable people in our society. "The people carrying out these attacks do not represent the beautiful, brilliant place and people I know. "We will come after those carrying out this violence with the full force of the law." PLANS to demolish Wath Library and replace it with a more modern structure have gone to public consultation. The £8.9m scheme for the redevelopment of Wath town centre - which includes a new library - was officially rubber stamped by council officers last year. The public space around the building will be improved and will include new play equipment. Investment in the surrounding public realm aims to draw people into the town centre and provide more things to do. The redevelopment will also include commercial space to support a vibrant mix of businesses in the town centre. It will be designed to improve green spaces between Biscay Way and the High Street and encourage visitors into the town centre. A report states: “The development proposes demolition of an existing library and construction of a new split level two or three-storey public library building with associated enclosed staircase to adjacent flats and public realm works. “The site is in a highly sustainable location adjacent to Wath-upon-Dearne town centre and is close to a public transport interchange. “The proposals will utilise existing public transport links and amenities by nature of its central location. “The development will retain the same number of parking spaces (96) as the existing car park benefiting its sustainable location.” Four public consultation events have already been held - with locals handed the chance to offer their views on the plans on each occasion. “The plans and strategy were broadly well received, however points were raised that requires addressing,” the report added. “The original client concept design showed a large cafe on the ground floor and library on the upper floors, which was carried through to the scheme presented at the consultation. “The overall consensus of public opinion showed that the library should be reduced to a smaller kiosk offering coffee and complimentary cakes, muffins and the like, which would be more conducive with a library offering. “In light of this the proposals were reworked, along the same lines and general proportions of the initial scheme, to reflect the opinions expressed in the consultations.” The public are being urged to have their say on the final plans, with public consultation ending on August 9. Coun Denise Lelliott said: “Our successful bid for government money is enabling us to put forward exciting plans to improve Wath town centre. “It’s essential that you tell us what you think about the proposed changes to community facilities and public spaces. “These improvements will be good for the local economy and create new places for people to enjoy, but they need to be shaped by you.” Credit: GoogleA pub has told punters "of course we're open" for England's Euro 2024 semi-final less than two weeks after its landlady was shot said she had put her "big knickers on" after she suffered serious leg injuries in the incident was shot outside the pub on High Street when a group of men turned up on 28 June the pub said it was business as usual as England prepare to face Netherlands in Wednesday's semi-final It said: "Yes of course we're open Wednesday for England." wrote that "normal services" had resumed She said there would be security on the door It is thought several men were in the area at the time of the shooting The area outside the pub in High Street was cordoned off and evidence of a shooting was found at the scene In an earlier post Ms Page offered a "massive thank you to my family and friends and staff for being by my side continuously since the madness" "Recovery starts here," she said She said she had needed "several hospital appointments each week" and it had been "a rough 10 days" "But big knickers on and the amazing support from family and friends England v Netherlands will be shown on ITV1 Coverage starts at 6.30pm on Wednesday 9 July