LOCAL councillors have praised both residents and South Yorkshire Police for their collaborative work to tackle antisocial behaviour in the Oakwell area.

Local Heather Linney, 54, has been running a Facebook group regarding the increase in crime in the area and over the past few months she’s recorded a total of 81 incidents, but claims the real figure will be much higher than that.

Dozens of residents were in attendance at a meeting last week alongside Central ward councillors and the police force and Coun Nicola Sumner has praised the collaborative work.

She told the Chronicle: “I’d like to thank the residents for coming to the meeting.

“At my first PACT meeting in May, eight Oakwell residents came raising concerns about ASB and drugs.

“It was clear there was a disconnect between the police and residents.

” I contacted the police afterwards and residents concerns did not match with the number of reported incidents.

“Instead residents were reporting on a closed Facebook group.

“I would encourage everyone to report crimes and intelligence through official channels the police will not know otherwise.”

Coun Sumner said work is now well underway to improve the area.

“When it came to the meeting last week, councillors felt strongly the location had to be in Oakwell,” she added.

“The council met the cost of the venue at the football club using ward alliance funds.

“As councillors we also advertised the meeting by delivering a flyer to residents.

“Our community safety officer at the council has worked diligently behind the scenes to coordinate the police response, action and meeting.

“I am really happy that Oakwell has a designated PC now and a plan of engagement and support.

“They’ve had the mounted police and a camera installed.

“Things need time to improve but I think the future in Oakwell looks a little brighter with this multi agency approach.”

Coun Martin O’Donoghue added: “Residents arrived at the meeting angry at ASB issues in the Oakwell area.

“After a presentation from South Yorkshire Police and Barnsley Council outlining the measures being taken to tackle ASB issues, including introducing a dedicated PC officer for the Oakwell area, residents left encouraged at the progress being made.”