'Asylum seeker housing' was actually storage site

Image source, Shutterstock

Image caption, The site was actually being used for the storage of shipping containers (stock image)
  • Author, Danielle Andrews
  • Role, Local Democracy Reporting Service

A council has been forced to deny online rumours that a housing complex for asylum seekers was being built on the site of a former glassworks.

Speculation began after shipping containers were seen onΒ land at Oaks Lane in Barnsley. There was also a heavy police presence in the area on Thursday.

South Yorkshire Police have been asked why officers were in attendance, but Barnsley Council said the site was being used for "storage".

Its staff had visited to ensure no planning breaches were being committed.

Social media posts speculating about the site, which was the Beatson Clark manufacturing plant until it closedΒ in 2006, attracted hundreds of comments and shares.

The local authority said information being shared online was "incorrect", the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

It added: β€œWe’ve noticed some posts and questions circulating about work taking place on a former glassworks site at Stairfoot.

β€œNo recent planning applications have been approved at this site, so our planning enforcement team visited to investigate. Our officers are, at this stage, satisfied that the site is being used for storage and no enforcement action is required.

β€œIt’s crucial that everyone takes the time to verify information before sharing it on social media. This helps us avoid unnecessary upset, concern, and negative comments,” added the statement.

β€œLet’s work together to keep our community informed with accurate information.”

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