Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, is campaigning for better trains and buses and a permanent heritage space in Penistone, after hearing from constituents at her Pride in Penistone meeting on 24 September.
Around 30 constituents and local groups came together to discuss the changes they would like to see locally. Constituents discussed transport, NHS services, the town centre and local economy, community assets and heritage, safety and the cost of living.
Following the meeting, Marie has identified three headline priorities to take forward: a new Penistone Line Pledge, a Buses that Work for Penistone campaign, and work to develop proposals for a Penistone heritage space.
Marie’s Penistone Line Pledge will build on her existing campaign for two trains an hour between Sheffield, Penistone and Huddersfield, alongside improvements to Penistone station and better connections with other public transport. Constituents at the meeting repeatedly raised the importance of reliable rail services, better station access and making it easier to connect to trains from Penistone and the surrounding communities.
Alongside better rail services, Marie is launching Buses that Work for Penistone, asking constituents to share their experiences of local bus services and identify the journeys and connections that need to improve.
Constituents raised difficulties travelling between local estates and villages, Penistone town centre, the railway station and other destinations, particularly when trying to make a return journey at the times they need. Marie will use the results of her survey to develop proposals for improving local connections and to make the case for changes with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority as buses come back into public control.
Marie’s third headline priority is to explore establishing a permanent heritage space for Penistone.
Marie initially asked constituents for their views about celebrating Penistone’s important place in the history of association football. Discussions at the meeting broadened this idea, with constituents highlighting the town’s industrial, agricultural, railway, educational and cultural history alongside its footballing heritage.
Marie will now work with local organisations and people interested in Penistone’s history to explore what a heritage space could look like, where it could be based and how it could work as both a resource for local people and an attraction for visitors to the town.
The meeting also strengthened support for several campaigns Marie is already taking forward in Penistone.
Marie will continue her Save Penistone Paramount campaign, following Barnsley Council’s decision to cancel the planned redevelopment of Penistone Town Hall and the additional investment in the Paramount. Constituents emphasised the importance of the Paramount to the town centre and local economy, as well as the need for accessibility to be at the heart of its future.
She will also continue backing the community campaign to save Scout Dike Activity Centre, with constituents discussing opportunities for outdoor education, SEND-inclusive provision, practical skills and wider affordable community use.
Marie will also follow up concerns about Penistone Market and the Market Barn, including the condition of the building, engagement with traders, promotion and the range of stalls available, as part of her work to support a thriving town centre.
Alongside these campaigns, Marie is taking forward a series of additional issues raised by constituents. These include improving access to NHS dentistry; working with local GP practices and health partners on access to services and the future of health premises in Penistone; improving engagement between constituents and South Yorkshire Police; raising local speeding, parking and pedestrian safety concerns; following developments around the Local Plan and the pressure new housing can place on local infrastructure; supporting accessible community sports investment, including Penistone Church FC’s ambitions for a 3G pitch; and ensuring constituents know what support is available with household costs.
Marie Tidball MP said:
“Thank you to everyone who came to my Pride in Penistone meeting and shared their experiences and ideas for our town.
“Penistone is incredibly special to me. I grew up locally, went to St John’s and then Penistone Grammar School, and I’m ambitious about its future.
“You told me clearly that getting around matters. We need a better Penistone Line, buses that actually connect people to the places they need to go, and public transport which works together rather than leaving people waiting around or relying on a car.
“You also told me how much pride there is in Penistone’s extraordinary history. Our contribution to football is nationally important, but constituents rightly said there’s an even bigger story to tell about our industry, agriculture, railways, schools, arts and the generations of people who have made our town what it is.
“That’s why I’m launching these three Pride In priorities for Penistone: fighting for the Penistone Line, campaigning for buses that work for our town and surrounding communities and working with local people to explore a permanent heritage space for Penistone.
“I’ll also keep fighting for the Paramount and Scout Dike, working to support Penistone Market, and taking forward the other practical issues you raised with me, from NHS dentistry and GP services to policing, road safety, sports facilities and the cost of living.
“I don't believe in having meetings for the sake of meetings. Pride In Place is about listening to the people who know their communities best, agreeing practical priorities together and then getting on with the work of delivering them.”
Constituents who were unable to attend Pride in Penistone but would still like to share their priorities for the town can contact Marie at marie.tidball.casework@parliament.uk, or add their support to Marie's campaigns at https://www.marietidball.com/prideinplace.
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