Local MP launches community campaigns for Pilley and Tankersley

Marie Tidball MP, the Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has launched three community campaigns to bring about positive change for Pilley and Tankersley.

The campaigns are based on feedback that Marie received at her ‘Pride in Pilley and Tankersley’ meeting, which she held in early June. The meeting, attended by local residents, provided an opportunity to discuss a range of topics affecting daily life in the villages, including health, local transport, community spaces, community safety, and more.

After reviewing feedback received both at the meeting and over email, three key areas emerged as common concerns: local transport, road safety, and access to NHS dentistry.

Many residents expressed support for exploring options for a local Hopper bus service connecting Pilley and Tankersley with neighbouring communities including Birdwell, High Green and Stocksbridge. Residents highlighted concerns about local bus services, including infrequent Sunday services, the loss of through-routes to nearby communities, and difficulties accessing shopping, healthcare and educational opportunities. Marie will raise this with South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard.

Road safety concerns were raised regarding Lidgett Lane and New Road, with residents highlighting issues including speeding traffic, limited pedestrian infrastructure, poor street lighting, and the challenges faced by children travelling to and from school. Suggested improvements included safer walking routes, enhanced speed management measures, improved lighting and consideration of additional traffic-calming interventions, which Marie has raised with Barnsley Council.

Difficulty accessing NHS dental appointments was another recurring issue raised by residents. Feedback indicated that many people are travelling significant distances to secure appointments or experiencing challenges accessing NHS dental provision locally. Further discussions are planned with relevant healthcare organisations, including South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, to better understand local provision and ongoing work to improve access to services.

In addition to the three priority areas, residents raised several other topics during the meeting, including school transport and public transport connectivity, walking and cycling infrastructure, community safety and anti-social behaviour concerns, access to GP and hospital services, and postal service delays affecting residents. These issues will continue to be discussed with the relevant organisations and authorities.

Marie Tidball MP said:

*"Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend the meeting and share their experiences, whether that was at my ‘Pride in Pilley and Tankersley’ meeting or over email. *

*“It was so productive to hear such thoughtful and constructive feedback about the issues affecting life in Pilley and Tankersley. Connecting our communities, road safety around the school, and access to NHS dentistry emerged as your clear priorities, and I will continue working with local organisations, as well as local and national government, to understand these concerns and pursue solutions where possible. *

“The meeting demonstrated the strength of community spirit in our villages and the shared commitment to making them even better places to live."*

To read more about Marie’s campaigns and to sign her petitions and open letters, constituents can visit https://www.marietidball.com/pride-in-place?option=pilley-and-tankersley.