Barnsley Essentials has written an open letter to South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, raising concerns from residents about safety, vandalism and security at Barnsley Interchange.
The letter follows the latest report of damage inside the interchange, where a large hole has appeared in a wall opposite the lifts on the bridge above Platform 1.
An anonymous contributor told Barnsley Essentials that people had been kicking the wall, and a photograph sent to the page shows significant damage.
However, residents contacting Barnsley Essentials say their concerns go beyond this latest incident.
On 29 August, a man was assaulted at Barnsley Interchange, with two 15-year-old boys arrested in connection with the incident.
There have also been reports of security staff being assaulted during incidents of disorder.
Barnsley Council previously described violence and disorder in the town centre as unacceptable and said additional town centre warden presence and joint patrols with police had been introduced.
Residents have also reported that two vending machines at the interchange were vandalised during August and were subsequently removed.
The latest damage has prompted further questions about how one of Barnsley's busiest public transport facilities is being managed and what is being done to keep passengers and staff safe.
Barnsley Council has previously stated that Barnsley Interchange is managed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Barnsley Essentials has therefore written directly to Mayor Oliver Coppard, who leads the authority, asking for a clear response on what action is being taken.
The open letter asks:
What security, staffing, patrol and CCTV measures are currently in place at Barnsley Interchange, and when were they introduced? How is the authority assessing whether those measures are reducing assaults, disorder and criminal damage? What action has been taken since the assault on 29 August, and how are the Mayoral Combined Authority, Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police working together? When will the damaged wall be repaired, and what is being done to prevent further damage? What happened to the vending machines removed following the vandalism in August, and are there plans to replace them? How can residents report concerns and receive updates about action taken?
In the letter, Barnsley Essentials said:
“Barnsley Interchange is used every day by residents, workers and visitors. People should feel safe using it, and staff should be able to do their jobs without facing violence or intimidation.”
Barnsley Essentials previously wrote an open letter to Barnsley Council regarding wider concerns raised by residents about Barnsley town centre.
We are now asking Mayor Coppard and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for their view and for a clear account of what happens next.
The letter has been sent directly to Oliver Coppard and we have requested a written response which we will publish for residents to read.
We will update this story when a response is received.