It used to be famous for its coal industry, which has now disappeared. Barnsley Council are pioneering a scheme called ''
http://www.remakingbarnsley.co.uk/ Remaking Barnsley'', including the building of a new £23m transport interchange and a ''halo of light'' around the city.In the last 10 years or so, the fortunes of Barnsley have been on the upturn, with commerce and industry building their premises on the sites of the old coal mines. The town is becoming more popular due to the low cost of living compared to nearby Sheffield and Leeds, with some people living in Barnsley but commuting to work in one of these cities. There is still a strong sense of community in the town. http://wikitravel.org/en/Barnsley