BARNSLEY Town Hall has been taken over by a Channel Four crew for the filming of an upcoming television drama.

Late author Barbara Taylor Bradford’s 1979 novel, A Woman of Substance, is being turned into an eight-part series starring Brenda Blethyn, Emmett J Scanlan and Will Mellor.

It follows Emma Harte, an impoverished, ambitious maid in Yorkshire who becomes the world’s richest woman.

Previously Emmy-nominated and Channel Four’s biggest-ever drama when it was first adapted 40 years ago, it is a re-imagination of the multi-million best-selling novel.

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome to Barnsley Town Hall the production company filming Channel Four’s adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford’s A Woman of Substance.

“It’s another great opportunity to put Barnsley on the national stage and showcase our amazing buildings and heritage.

“To facilitate this, the first floor and an area on the ground floor are closed to the public.

“Experience Barnsley Museum, Old George cafe and the registrar service are unaffected and open as usual.

“Until June 14, you might see some scaffolding, vehicles and machines outside the front of the town hall.

“No permanent changes are being made to the building, and all scaffolding will be removed and the town hall returned to normal.

“There will also be a temporary road closure on Sadler Gate and temporary suspensions at St Mary’s car park, next to the town hall.”

A release date for the series is still to be confirmed.