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

PRESENT

The Town Mayor, Cllr Mrs B Hinchliff and Cllrs R Hinchliff, A Rusby, GJ Punt, D Harrison, N Collett, P Hand-Davis, C A Bradbury, RN Gregory, J B Lucas, EA Elders, P Starling and the Clerk. One member of the public present.

ABSENT

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Lofthouse and Unsworth.

MINUTES

The minutes of the following meetings were confirmed

Penistone Town Council dated 21^st November 2005

Planning Meeting dated 21^st November 2005

DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST

Cllr Mrs B Hinchliff declared an interest in Item 13, The Town Hall Building application for listed status.

REPORT OF BARNSLEY MEMBERS

Cllr Hinchliff reported that the Borough Council is in the process of budget setting and looking at cost saving measures to meet the £5million reduction in income.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

Cllr Hand Davis reported that the guide book being produced by the heritage worker will soon be published. There are to be 20,000 copies. The negotiations for the Managed Workspace continues with the involvement of Barnsley MBC and Yorkshire Forward.

SOUTH YORKSHIRE TRANSPORT USERS ADVISORY GROUP

Cllr Hinchliff advised the Council that she had volunteered to join this group who were looking for users of public transport to join them.

MOTTRAM BY-PASS

Cllr Collett spoke of the residents concern about the impact of the Mottram bypass, together with the housing development planned for Millhouse Green. A public meeting is needed in Millhouse Green to inform the residents of what is going on. Cllr Collett moved that a public meeting be arranged, seconded by Cllr Punt and RESEOLVED that the Highways agency and department at Barnsley be asked to arrange a public meeting. Cllr Punt added that the Area Forum Officer has been looking at this matter which will affect all our residents. There are plans to put traffic lights on the flouch roundabout but this is all. Cllr Hinchliff added that there is projected to be a 30% increase in traffic levels.

PARAMOUNT REPORT

Cllr Elders reported that the Paramount continues to do well. The number of schools coming for Christmas outings has increased and we are very busy. This years blockbusters are being shown over Christmas. Hopefully in the New Year we will be looking at improvements and the introduction of a second screen.

EXPENDITURE ITEMS

Moved by Cllr Punt, seconded by Cllr Collett and RESOLVED that the expenditure items for the general account be paid.

Moved by Cllr Punt, seconded by Cllr Hinchliff and RESOLVED that the accounts for the Paramount be paid.

UPDATE ON MR GRUNILLS ACTION AGAINST PENISTONE TOWN COUNCIL

There has been no further progress to report.

YORKSHIRE DAY UPDATE

Cllr Harrison gave a report on the most recent meeting where estimates for a marquee had been considered. One a local firm from Sheffield, one from York. The Sheffield Company was considerably less expensive and was the preferred choice of the committee. The Yorkshire Society has agreed to provide any shortfall in sponsorship monies to cover the cost of the marquee. Moved by Cllr Harrison that we support the decision of the committee, seconded by Cllr Bradbury.

PENISTONE TOWN HALL - LISTED BUILDING STATUS NOT GRANTED

Cllr Mrs Hinchliff had applied for listed building status, however after careful consideration this has been turned down as the building is not old enough and has undergone too many alterations from its original state. Cllr Starling expressed his disappointment.

BUDGET MEETING ARRANGED FOR 11^TH JANUARY 2006

This is for all councillors. Any projects or expenditure to be considered must be brought to this meeting. The Chairmen of both the Community Centre and Paramount must consider their budgetary proposals.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS