A NEWLY-refurbished bike hub which aims to encourage 20,000 residents to take up physical activity - thanks to almost £1m in funding from Sport England - is now officially open.

Sport England’s latest Active Lives survey has found that the number of active adults in Barnsley has increased by nearly eight per cent - from 53.4 per cent to 61 per cent - in the last year.

However the research also shows that 27 percent of adults in the borough are not active enough.

The Bike Works, based in the interchange, is crucial in supporting more people in Barnsley to get active, for both leisure and travel.

Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “We’re pleased to officially open Barnsley’s newly refurbished Barnsley Bike Works. ( “Our new facility is all about making cycling accessible for everyone in our borough.

“By offering free bike repairs, skills workshops, bike schemes and programmes, we’re working to remove barriers that often stop people getting started. ( “Whether you’re commuting, riding for leisure or just starting out, our goal is to empower everyone to become more physically active and live a healthier lifestyle. ( “I encourage all residents to visit the hub and sign up for the bike schemes.”

Executive director for place, Sport England, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, said: “We are embedded in Barnsley - helping them bring local partners and organisations together to create more opportunities to be active, as well as investing in community health and leisure facilities here.

“Cycling can be anything a person wants it to be - a sociable and enjoyable activity, a way of getting and keeping fit, and a great form of transport.”