Former Dearne Valley fly-tipping hotspot transformed into a park opens tomorrow

Some of the staff and volunteers who have worked on the embankment project in Goldthorpe

Goldthorpe’s Railway Embankment Group spearheaded the project at the ex-railway cuttings in the village, previously known as “the black hole of Goldthorpe”.

Formed by the Dearne Area Council Team, the group has co-ordinated hundreds of volunteers to clear the rubbish to make way for plant and wildlife habitats.

The result is a community hub and education space with a picnic area, orchard, bedding boxes, a weatherboard, a compost heap and bird viewing platforms.

Residents, ground maintenance firm Twiggs, community groups, Barnsley Council, Network Rail, councillors, Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership and local landlords have all been involved in the revamp, which was funded by DVLP, Tesco, Network Rail, Henry Boot, Goldthorpe & Bolton on Dearne Big Local and Dearne Area Council.

Each volunteer group, local service or school has been assigned an area to use and maintain.

Cllr Jenny Platts, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for adults and communities, said: “The opening of the new Goldthorpe Railway Cuttings will mark a momentous day for everyone involved.

“The space is now a wonderful neighbourhood resource for community groups and school children to use.

“And it’s all thanks to the hard work of our project partners, volunteers and local schools who have dedicated hours to transforming the site over the last couple of years.”

Residents are invited to the opening from 10am tomorrow at Goldthorpe Railway Cuttings off Barnsley Road (postcode S63 9AE).