A LOCAL pub will now be doing more than simply serving pints after the community came together with a mission.

The Heaven and Ale pub on Agnes Road, Kingstone, has been taken over by the community who are using the bar as a base for their wider community missions.

They have already been actively involved in litter picks and thanks to the help of local Mandy White they are improving nearby street planters.

They’ve founded a new group, Heaven and Ale in the Community.

Member Jeff Biggins said: “It has grown out of a desire on the part of pub’s regulars to add something to the Kingstone community, in which many of them reside.

“It grew out of a belief that we could take action to change and improve the environmental and social situation in our ward.

“Immediate action was taken on improving street planters and helping to pick litter - our plans will go much further in 2025.”

The group are always on the hunt for volunteers and are hosting a public meeting on Monday February 10 to look at what they can do in the future.

While the group is not politically influenced, local councillors Steve Bullcock and Philip Wright have shown their support for the initiative.

Steve added: “This newly-formed, non-political community group is really determined to bring about positive change to the Kingstone Ward.

“The work they have so far undertaken with support from Twiggs, Barnsley Council and Kingstone Ward Alliance on street planters is only the beginning - the group demonstrate a competitive approach towards each other aiming to be better all the time.

“Philip and I believe if the commitment is maintained, Kingstone in 18 months’ time will be a more desirable place - the group can see the potential of the ward and they should be proud of their aims and aspirations.”