Chronicle chief reporter Jack Tolson delves into the archives from December 2001
CABBIES REFUSE TO ENTER NO-GO AREA AT NIGHT
CABBIES have joined bus drivers in refusing to drive through Worsbrough Common at night after several cars were attacked by yobs.
About 30 drivers who operate from the rank outside the bus station are refusing to take fares to and from the common in the evening.
The decision came after one Hackney carriage had its windscreen smashed and another a passenger side window broken by a gang of about seven thought to be in their 20s armed with pool cues.
One cab driver, who didn’t want to be named, said: “We decided to impose the ban after 6pm because we did not want to punish shoppers.
“Up to a quarter of our fares during the day are to Worsbrough Common or Worsbrough.
“Hopefully it will encourage someone to come forward with a name to secure a conviction.”
LET THERE BE LIGHT FOR HOSPITAL
A DODWORTH couple has pushed the boat out for charity this year - by decorating their home with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights.
Adrian and Joanne Pickersgill had a spectacular switch-on on Saturday night, with people being asked to donate cash to Barnsley Hospital’s children’s ward.
Their son, Carl, who is epileptic, has received regular treatment there.
Adrian and Joanne asked Dodworth Phoenix bass band to turn on the lights with the help of children from Dodworth Primary School.
Joanne said they started putting the lights up inside the house the day after Bonfire Night - and still haven’t finished.
“We have done this for a few years for charity and this year we initially weren’t going to bother but people kept asking us when we were switching the lights on so we decided to do it again.”
She said people were surprised by the number of lights on there house - there are more than 1,000 on the roof.
GIRL BAND TO SUPPORT CHART-TOPPERS
GLAMOROUS girl band Bootylicious have landed a support slot with chart-toppers Blue.
Sondelle Whittaker, Traci Coldron and Janine Elsworth will perform with the boy band in Cardiff on Wednesday.
Blue hit the big time when their single ‘Too Close’ reached number one and their album is set to be a Christmas smash.
The girls, who also play locally under the name Out of the Blue, will sing covers of Destiny’s Child, Atomic Kitten and Kylie tracks.
Janine said; “We’re just taking it as it comes, but we’re surprised how well we’ve done so quickly.
“The reaction we’re getting from crowds is great.”
