BARNSLEY Council has expanded its Joining Forces partnership in a bid to further clamp down on antisocial behaviour across the borough.

Joining Forces brings together key members of staff from the council’s Safer Neighbourhood Service, South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, and Berneslai Homes.

The latest expansion will further enhance support for residents, reinforcing the borough’s integrated policing and safer communities model, the council say.

A strengthened team is now in place, including two additional neighbourhood wardens providing reactive coverage to residents up to 10pm on weekdays and 8pm at weekends.

An investigating officer has also been appointed to lead up to 15 high-profile cases, and a Berneslai Homes antisocial behaviour officer will join the team on council housing-specific cases.

Activity under the expanded service is already underway in New Lodge and Athersley North, two areas previously experiencing higher levels of antisocial behaviour.

Early work in these communities has already contributed to a reduction in reported incidents, bosses say.

Targeted enforcement activity will continue in the area to ensure the issues are dealt with promptly.

Officers have also backed calls for additional patrols in Cudworth Park due to ongoing issues in the area.

Coun Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: “We invest in supporting our communities because we care.

“Expanding our Joining Forces provision means we can respond more quickly, support residents more effectively, and help ensure people feel safe where they live.

“With so many fantastic things happening across our borough, we want both residents and visitors to feel safe, welcome, and able to enjoy everything Barnsley has to offer.

“We’re proud to work together with partners to deliver a safer Barnsley for everyone.”