In the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Penistone at 7pm

PRESENT

The Town Mayor, Cllr Mrs B Hinchliff and Cllrs D Harrison, A Rusby, D Lofthouse, G Punt, R Hinchliff, P Starling, JB Lucas, P Hand Davis, C Bradbury, E Eldersand the Clerk. One member of the public present.

ABSENT

Apologies were accepted from Cllr Mrs N Collett, Cllr J Unsworth and Cllr N Gregory

MINUTES

The minutes of the following meetings were confirmed

Penistone Town Council dated 19^th December 2005

Planning Committee dated 19^th December 2005

Yorkshire Day Committee dated 14^th December 2005

Road Safety Meeting dated 9^th January 2006

MATTERS ARISING

Moved by Cllr Harrison seconded by Cllr Punt and RESOLVED that the recommendations of the Road Safety Committee, that a request for signage on Penistone Crossroads is made.

DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST

None were declared.

REPORT OF BARNSLEY MEMBERS

Cllr Punt reported that there is to be a 4.9% increase in budget expenditure. He outlined changes to the warden service, problems with parking at Springvale School and the proposed changes to the traffic flow at the bridge on Green Road.

COMPLAINT ABOUT ADVERTISING ON BRIDGE STREET

Cllr Elders reported to the Council that there have been complaints made about the advertising poster placed on the wall on Bridge Street. Planning permission has not been granted for this. Following discussion it was moved by Cllr Hand Davis, Seconded by Cllr Lucas and RESOLVED that we ask that the poster be removed or appropriate planning consent be obtained.

MOTTRAM TINTWISTLE BYPASS

A letter has been received from the Campaign to Protect Rural England, CPRE, outlining a proposal to avoid building the Mottram Bypass. It diverts heavy lorries off the A628 and onto the motorway network around the A628 by placing a weight restriction on the Woodhead and other east west routes.

A discussion followed, including the fact that the Town Council has already supported the proposal to upgrade the A628 to a motorway. The concerns are of the restriction of weight and width through Thurlstone and Millhouse Green where the roads are not good enough.

The Area Forum meeting in February includes the Mottram bypass on its agenda and there is to be an exhibition of the proposals at the Flouch hotel at the beginning of March. It was moved by Cllr Lofthouse, seconded by Cllr Starling and resolved that this item be placed on the March Agenda for further discussion when more information has been given.

PARAMOUNT REPORT

Cllr Elders reported that the films have been doing very well since the last meeting over the Christmas period. There is to be another Penistone Prodigies this week. Cllr Mrs Hinchliff praised the Prodigies evenings as unique in our area and offered congratulations to Cllr Bradbury whose idea this was and whose hard work has brought it to fruition.

EXPENDITURE ITEMS

GENERAL ACCOUNT - Moved by Cllr JB Lucas, seconded by Cllr R Hinchliff and

RESOLVED that the expenditure items from the General Account be paid.

PARAMOUNT ACCOUNT – Moved by Cllr Elders, seconded by Cllr Lucas and RESOLVED that the expenditure items for the Paramount Account be paid.

The clerk pointed out the increased costs of the Insurance premium and the percentage charge by film distributors.

PRECEPT AND BUDGET MEETING 11 JANUARY 2006

Cllr Punt proposed that the recommendations of the precept and Budget meeting be accepted. This was seconded by Cllr Harrison. Cllr Punt stated that this is a reduction of £26,000 on a precept of £116,000. Cllr Mrs Hinchliff added that the service being provided is tremendous and the reduction is for the benefit of local people.

UPDATE ON POSITION REGARDING MR GRUNILLS COMPLAINT AGAINST PENISTONE TOWN COUNCIL

Moved by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Rusby and RESOLVED that in view of the confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that this item is moved into Committee and the press and public be temporarily excluded. This item is moved to the end of the agenda.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

No member of the public wished to speak.

IN COMMITTEE

UPDATE ON POSITION REGARDING MR GRUNILLS COMPLAINT AGAINST PENISTONE TOWN COUNCIL

The Clerk read the most recent letter from the solicitor. This matter was discussed and a vote taken. All agreed to accept the legal advice with Cllr Lucas abstaining.