MP listens to Wharncliffe Side constituents’ ideas to improve their community

Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, met constituents in Wharncliffe Side to hear their ideas for improving the local community and strengthening local services.

The evening opened with a brief speech from Marie, about her previous work in the area. Constituents then worked in groups to discuss local challenges and identify solutions that could deliver positive change across Marie’s priority areas: health, transport, education, local businesses and high streets, and community spaces.

The meeting closed with Marie reflecting on the key recommendations raised under each priority area. Constituents also heard from Cllr Janet Ridler, Sheffield City Councillor for Stocksbridge and Upper Don ward. Cllr Ridler is working with Marie to identify improvements to Dragon Park, in Wharncliffe Side, to increase opportunities for older children to be active.

One of the strongest recommendations raised was the need to reinstate the SL1 Supertram Link bus. Marie is working with South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, to restore the service; having raised the SL1 in the House of Commons last month. Marie is also pushing for an extension of the Sheffield tram-train network via Oughtibridge, Wharncliffe Side, Deepcar and Stocksbridge. She also explored options for new active travel links, towards the Peak District, with constituents.

Another key recommendation was the restoration of the Wharncliffe Side Community Centre as a community hub; with many after school activities currently suspended due to internal damage of the building.

Constituents who were unable to attend the meeting but want to share their ideas for improving the area, can contact Marie at: marie.tidball.casework@parliament.uk.

Marie Tidball MP said:

“Thank you to all those constituents who attended my ‘Pride in Wharncliffe Side’ meeting. It was a pleasure to hear such thoughtful ideas for change, that I can help the community bring about.“I’ll be taking all the feedback I’ve received – including views from constituents at the meeting, those who emailed in and my wider work in the area – to draw together a set of community asks for Wharncliffe Side. I’ll be sharing this with constituents soon.”