Cllr Rachael Kay, Hoyland Milton, Reform UK

16/09/2026

🚧 UPDATE: YELLOW LINES, WATH ROAD, ELSECAR

A quick update for residents following the proposed double yellow lines on Wath Road.

The scheme went through the required public consultation, and no objections were received.

The plans have now been issued to the developer for implementation.

I’ve not yet received confirmation of when the work will be carried out, so I’m chasing for an update and will keep residents informed.

12/09/2026

Let’s put this into perspective, folks.

09/09/2026

🚧 MILTON ROAD UPDATE

Following concerns raised by residents about the gully on Milton Road, I can confirm that council officers inspected the area yesterday.

An order has also now been raised to repair the eroded area of carriageway, with the work to be programmed in shortly.

I’ve visited the site myself, including during the rain, and I suspect the heavy rainfall may be contributing to the overflowing grate at the bottom of the road on Millhouses Street.

I’ll continue to follow this up with officers and keep you updated.

05/09/2026

Day 2 with my fellow Councillors Bryan and Kay Kilner, and the one and only Suella Braverman MP.

Suella has set out Reform UK’s plans to cut wasteful student loans and invest in skills that Britain actually needs.

👨🏻‍🎓 20% cut to student loan issuance – loans focused on degrees that deliver strong economic returns, rather than low-value courses.

👩🏼‍⚕️ More doctors trained here – we’ll lift the cap on medical school places and stop relying so heavily on overseas recruitment.

👨🏻‍⚕️ 0% interest loans for nurses – making it easier for domestic students to train and enter the profession.

The savings will help fund Reform’s Skills Revolution, including an Apprenticeship Wage Credit worth over £4,700 per apprentice per year and a £2,000 Apprenticeship Retention Bonus.

Less money wasted. More investment in doctors, nurses, apprentices and the skills Britain needs.

05/09/2026

🇬🇧 Fantastic to be at the NEC with our Reform UK family this weekend.

We bumped into the lovely Sarah Pochin MP yesterday and heard all about the launch of Women for Reform. I’m personally looking forward to seeing this rolled out nationwide, connecting our amazing female members and supporters.

When the women are united behind a common purpose, an organisation is stronger for it 💪🏼🩵

16/08/2026

The political free-for-all is over. This is just the beginning 🇬🇧

🇬🇧 100 DAYS IN: THE OLD WAY OF DOING THINGS IS OVER

After 52 years of Labour control, Reform UK Barnsley has spent its first 100 days delivering on our promise to put residents first, and proving that change is possible.

✅ WE DECLARED WAR ON WOKE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
We declared an end to woke politics at Barnsley Town Hall, introduced a clear, common-sense approach to flag flying and returned the St George's Flag to the Town Hall alongside the Union Flag and Barnsley Council flag as standard.

✅ £10 MILLION INVESTMENT BROUGHT FORWARD TO FIX THE ROADS
We brought forward a £10 million Highways Delivery Plan to tackle deliver long-lasting repairs across the borough.

✅ FIGHTING FOR BARNSLEY'S COUNTRYSIDE
We stood firm against plans for a vast solar farm covering the equivalent of more than 130 football pitches.

✅ WE’RE ENDING NET ZERO MADNESS
We’ve ordered a review of climate and net-zero activities and reaffirmed our intention to withdraw Barnsley's Climate Emergency declaration. Programmes lacking clear resident benefit, cost savings or statutory requirement will end.

✅ BIN COLLECTIONS BACK ON TRACK
After years of disruption, we spent time with our frontline crews, exploring practical ways to support a more reliable service for residents.

100 DAYS DOWN.
We've shown that Barnsley Council can be run differently. 💪🏼

The old political free-for-all is over. This is only the beginning. 🇬🇧

09/08/2026

A NEW group has been launched in a bid to secure the long-term future of one of Barnsley’s most prized assets.Else... Local News News Barnsley South Yorkshire

09/08/2026

🎨 An afternoon at the Makers Market

📍Yesterday I popped down to Elsecar Heritage Centre to see the re-launch of the much-loved Elsecar Makers Market.

🧵 The newly refurbished Ironworks was full of talented independent makers, beautiful artwork, handmade crafts and some really unique gifts. It was lovely to see the place buzzing again and, most importantly, to see people supporting small and independent businesses.

🖼️ I couldn’t resist treating myself to a beautiful piece of art by David Pippin a watercolour print of one of our favourite places, Robin Hood’s Bay. It’s going to look lovely in my son’s nursery and will be a really special reminder of somewhere we love.

🍺 I then popped into Maison Du Biere, which is a brilliant little spot for anyone who enjoys craft beer, real ale and cider. They have a huge selection of drinks from independent producers, with more than 200 beers, ales and ciders available, as well as their beer tap and outdoor seating.

I tried the Piña Colada Cider and honestly… WOW! 😂🍍 It was delicious and I couldn’t believe how reasonable the price was. The lovely girl in the shop also reminded me that it’s made with natural ingredients, which is another nice bonus compared with some of the mass-produced options you find in supermarkets.

🍔 Then, of course, it was time for one of Earl’s Kitchen famous burgers.

Earl’s Kitchen (WG Catering )serves freshly cooked street food, including their 100% beef burgers, and is a great addition alongside Maison Du Biere.

🛍️ It really was a lovely afternoon – art, independent makers, great food and a good drink, all right here at Elsecar.

The Makers Market is OPEN AGAIN TODAY!

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the sunshine, have a wander and pick up something a little different, head down to Elsecar Heritage Centre today between 10.30am and 4pm.

07/08/2026

This week, my fellow councillors Cllr Brian Gregory and Cllr Michael Davies and I, met with senior officers this week to tour the newly refurbished Ironworks at Elsecar Heritage Centre ahead of its reopening this weekend.

It was encouraging to see the transformation of this unique and historic building and the opportunities it will create for Barnsley. The Ironworks will provide a fantastic venue for conferences, weddings, exhibitions, community events and much more, helping to attract visitors, support local businesses and boost the local economy while preserving an important part of our industrial heritage.

It’s great to see another part of Elsecar Heritage Centre brought back into use, creating a valuable asset that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors for years to come.

04/08/2026

🚧 UPDATE: Gray Street, Elsecar

Following concerns from local residents, I’ve been liaising with the Highways team regarding the condition of Gray Street, Elsecar.

✅ I can confirm that the section of Gray Street between numbers 58 and 76 was inspected last month. During that inspection, five carriageway potholes outside and below number 70 were identified, and the necessary repair works have now been ordered.

I’m also pleased to confirm that this section of Gray Street has also been put forward for assessment as part of the council’s annual autumn review of roads that may be suitable for resurfacing. This review helps determine which roads are included in future resurfacing programmes.

How are roads selected for the resurfacing programme?

Roads are put forward by Highway Inspectors, councillors, engineers or through annual condition surveys carried out by an external contractor. All roads are then assessed and prioritised based on their condition, the most appropriate treatment, and the funding available. There are currently around 550 roads awaiting assessment, with more likely to be added before this year’s review.

✅ I’ve also raised the Give Way road markings at the Cobcar Lane junction. I’m pleased to confirm that the Highways team has scheduled these works, with the markings due to be refreshed by 5 August.

I’ll continue working with the Highways team and keep residents updated as soon as I receive any further news.