MP launches ‘Pride In’ Priorities for Oughtibridge

Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has launched campaigns for an integrated transport system, youth club provision and improved flood resilience in Oughtibridge as part of her ‘Pride In’ priorities for our village. This follows her July Pride in Oughtibridge meeting, where Dr Tidball heard directly from local residents about their priorities for the area.

Marie heard directly from constituents about how, currently, awkward timetabling means residents can face a two-hour wait if they miss a bus service. Putting in place an integrated transport system - between buses and mass transit - would include: an extended tram-train to Sheffield via Stocksbridge, Deepcar, Oughtibridge and Wharncliffe Side; reinstating the SL1; an improved 57a bus; and a Hopper bus to Grenoside. This would provide significant improvements to connecting local communities. Consequently, Dr Tidball is campaigning for an integrated transport system for Stocksbridge and the Upper Don - which would enable Oughtibridge residents to have better access to Sheffield, Stocksbridge and Grenoside.

Dr Tidball is inviting constituents to sign her petition on this issue, to demonstrate local support.

Additionally, Marie heard from local people about the lack of adequate community space for young people to use. Therefore, Dr Tidball has launched a petition calling for a new youth club to be established in Oughtibridge.

Marie also heard from constituents about the effect of flooding on houses in Oughtibridge – especially bungalows. She has, therefore, written to the Environment Agency and Sheffield City Council to raise these concerns and to ask for a local flood plan, to manage risks in the event of an extreme weather event in future. Local residents are invited to complete Dr Tidball’s survey so these concerns can be raised directly with local and national Government.

Other issues were also raised by constituents attending the meeting, including: bicycle thefts, lack of NHS dentistry, and inadequate play equipment for older children at Coronation Park. Marie is also actioning these issues by raising with South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and other relevant organisations.

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

"I’ve taken forward the valuable input from my constituents at my Pride in Oughtibridge event by launching three campaigns to help our village become an even better place to live. First, an integrated transport system for Stocksbridge and the Upper Don to connect Oughtibridge, second, the creation of a local youth club, and third to improve flood defences.

"I’ve also heard from local residents about bicycle thefts, the lack of local NHS dentist appointments, and the need for proper play equipment for older children in our play parks in the area. I’ve also written to relevant organisations to make progress on these issues.

"I’m ambitious about Oughtibridge. I want our local area to be the best to grow up and grow old in. I hope residents will join me in signing my petitions for these important issues.

"Local people can also keep up-to-date with these campaigns through my newsletter, which is online at marietidball.com/newsletter."