MP launches ‘Pride In’ priorities for Dodworth

Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has launched her ‘Pride In’ Priorities for Dodworth, including campaigning for a pedestrian crossing outside Dodworth Library, the return of postal and banking services locally, and the installation of play equipment at Coronation Field. This follows March’s Pride in Dodworth meeting where Marie heard directly from local residents about their priorities.

Residents told Marie about the need for a new pedestrian crossing outside Dodworth Library, so she has written to Barnsley Council requesting it. The current layout makes it dangerous for people on foot – particularly elderly, young, or disabled people. The provision of a new local nursery in the area makes the need for this infrastructure more urgent. Local residents have been invited to sign Dr Tidball’s petition in support of this proposal.

Marie has also launched a petition to the Post Office and Cash Access UK calling for the reintroduction of postal and banking services to Dodworth. The lack of these facilities presently means residents have to travel to Barnsley.

Dr Tidball is seeking to secure some of the Government’s £18 million Playgrounds Fund to install park and play equipment at Coronation Field. At the moment, there is a lack of high-quality outdoor play equipment for children and young people. A petition to Barnsley Council has also been launched on this issue. The local MP also raised the improvements needed to the park in Parliament, highlighting how important playgrounds and parks are for children's wellbeing, and asking the Leader of the House how she can secure monies from the Government's Playgrounds Fund for Dodworth.

In addition, Dr Tidball has written to Northern about issues with Dodworth Station, the Police and Co-operative about shoplifting on the High Street and discussing ways to end the 8am scramble for appointments with the local GP.

Marie has written to constituents in Dodworth to inform them of her next steps in raising their priorities for the village.

Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said:

"It was fantastic to hear from local residents in Dodworth at my Pride In Dodworth event.

"I have heard from local residents about the need for a new pedestrian crossing outside the library, the lack of Post Office and banking facilities locally, and the need for more safe park space and playground equipment for local children.

"That’s why I’ve launched petitions on these key issues, as well as picking up other issues constituents raised – like High Street shoplifting, improvements at Dodworth Station, and access to healthcare locally.

"You can sign my petitions on my website, or by scanning the QR codes on the letter every local resident in Dodworth has been sent. Dodworth and Gilroyd are very special to me, my dad was a Councillor, for this area, when I was a child, and I want to ensure that everyone growing up and growing old here stay near but go far!"