A LOCAL councillor has slammed the Liberal Democrat group over their opposition to town centre projects - and says that the Yorkshire Rose sculptures will hopefully become a ‘national visitor attraction’.

At last Thursday’s full council meeting, leader of the Lib Dems in Barnsley Coun Hannah Kitching asked a question about whether or not it was the right decision to close two town centre car parks - the lower Seam and John Street - at the same time.

The first phase of the former project will redevelop the lower Seam, adding a sprawling new urban park comprising three separate gardens, with three Tim Ward-designed ‘Yorkshire Rose’ sculptures.

Parking facilities will also be improved, adding well-lit pedestrian walkways, additional trees and upgraded CCTV and electric vehicle charging points.

The sculptures are expected to be installed later this year with all phase one works due to be fully completed in March 2026 - with the car park set to be closed until that time.

And Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, believes the work is important for the town.

He said: “Works for phase one of the Seam development mean that the lower Seam car park will be closed until March 2026.

“It will reopen with 287 spaces available.

“The works include refurbished parking provision, electric vehicle charging points and car parking bays that meet the industry standards, including accessible spaces.

“The public realm in the area will be enhanced, featuring three beautiful natural gardens and the Yorkshire Rose sculptures, which we hope will become a national visitor attraction and a striking visual representation of Barnsley’s powerful identity, while reinforcing our position as a hub for digital growth, skills, innovation, opportunity and economic regeneration.”

Coun Higginbottom accepted that there may be some disruption to car parking - but the council is set to roll out new electronic boards telling residents how many spaces are in each car park.

He added: “We understand that the work to make our vision for the Seam a reality will cause some disruption to car parking.

“We encourage drivers to use the alternative options available around the town centre, as shown on the map available on our website and in our town centre visitor guides and we are rolling out electronic signage to advise on capacity and assist drivers in finding a space aiming to have four installed at major car parks this calendar year.”

In response, Coun Kitching said: “Does the cabinet member think that perhaps on reflection, it was not the most prudent move to close hundreds and hundreds of car parking spaces all at the same time?”

But Coun Higginbottom said that the Lib Dems had no right to ‘lecture’ the current council after opposing to multiple town centre projects in the past.

He added: “At every opportunity, the Liberal Democrats and their fellow naysayers have objected, opposed and sneered from the sidelines.

“The Glass Works? Opposed.

“Library @ the Lightbox? Opposed.

“The new market complex? Opposed.

“Penny Pie Park? Opposed.

“The Seam redevelopment? Opposed.

“Creating good jobs and decent homes for Barnsley folk? Opposed.

“Now we’ve got lectures from Coun Kitching about supporting our town centre - you couldn’t make it up.

“Let me remind her that thanks to bold decisions by this Labour council, we’ve got one of the most thriving town centres in Yorkshire, with record numbers of visitors coming to enjoy all that Barnsley has to offer.

“Barnsley’s booming - long may it continue.”