Worsbrough makes list of areas most economically at risk from coronavirus pandemic

Worsbrough came tenth in a list of places most likely to experience economic problems, with Bridlington the only other place in Yorkshire to feature on the chart.

With the country entering its sixth week of lockdown measures, businesses around South Yorkshire and beyond have faced more than a month with little to no trade, which has had a major impact on local economies.

The research, conducted by the Centre For Towns and the University of Southampton and analysed by Sky News, looked at the proportion of a town's population employed in industries which have faced closure during the lockdown.

The industries taken into account included the non-food and pharmacy retail sector, arts and sports, hospitality, travel and tourism, public transport, childcare, hairdressers and launderettes.

Other indicators of deprivation, such as an area's elderly and dependent population, the percentage of a population with bad health or in fuel poverty and net annual income, were then taken into account to produce the list of areas most likely to suffer economicallly from lockdown measures.

Coun Tim Cheetham, Barnsley Council cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We are aware of the recent article, which names Worsborough in the top 10 for places that may be most economically at risk from the impact of Covid-19 in the long-term.

"There are, of course, a number of criteria and details attached to this research to establish a ranking of towns in the UK, which is just one study into the likely impact.

“As a council, we are working hard to support the whole borough.

“Our plan to provide a thriving high street market will form part of this recovery, and the economic recovery plan will have a focus on supporting our towns and communities, like Worsbrough.

"We know this will be a challenge and, as made clear in our recent statement on local government funding in response to Covid-19, it’s critical local governments across the country are properly funded now and in the future, to make sure we can continue to support our most vulnerable residents and communities.”