A BARNSLEY man is threatening to sue South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive after his bike was stolen from the town's interchange.

Paul Conway, 39, rode the mountain bike from his home in Milne Street, Barugh Green, to Barnsley Interchange where he locked it up in a storage area monitored by a CCTV camera.

He then caught the train to his workplace in Sheffield.

But when he returned at the end of his shift the bike - a £400 black GT aggressor - had gone.

He went to report the theft and asked for CCTV footage to be checked to identify who had stolen the bike. But despite there being posters all around the Interchange warning that there are 75 CCTV cameras working 24/7, there was no footage.

Paul said: "I was told that CCTV cameras in the whole of the interchange had been out of action since they were damaged by flooding on August 19.

"If I'd have known the cameras were inoperable I wouldn't have left my bike there. That bicycle was my transport to get to work as I have to get a train before the first bus would get me into town.

"I feel this is a gross act of negligence on their part. They are leading people to believe there is added security to property with the aid of the cameras."

David Young, SYPTE Deputy Interim Director General, said: "Bicycle storage facilities at Barnsley Station are managed by Northern Rail.

"All bicycles left at the station are left at the owners' risk and this is clearly stated on the signage at the station."

Paul is offering a reward for the return of the bike.

He says it has GT embossed on the end of the frame under the seat.  It has orange grips with black bar ends, an orange bottle cage and straps on the pedal toe clips.