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

PRESENT

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

ABSENT

Apologies for absence were accepted from Cllrs Mrs N Collett, A Simon, R Hinchliff and D Lofthouse.

MINUTES

The Minutes of the following meetings were confirmed as a true record:

Penistone Town Council Budget dated 11^th January 2006

Penistone Town Council dated 16^th January 2006

Planning dated 16^th January 2006

Yorkshire Day dated 24^th January 2006

Paramount Management 25^th January 2006

St Johns Community Centre Dated 6^th February 2006

DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL INTEREST

Cllrs Punt and Bradbury declared an interest in the item relating to Penistone Well Dressing.

REPORT OF BARNSLEY MEMBERS

Cllr Punt gave a detailed report on the activity at Barnsley MBC, including affordable housing, the new police crime and safety sub group, a report on the Area Forum meeting regarding Mottram Bypass, the new schools programme and the work commencing on the civic hall. A discussion followed and it was agreed to approach Barnsley for better signage regarding dog fouling and keeping dogs on a leash on the playing fields. With the change in responsibility for parking issues it was moved by Cllr Hand Davis, seconded by Cllr Elders and agreed that a letter be sent to the Divisional Commander expressing concern that Police no longer have a duty to challenge misuse of the disabled parking spaces.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP UPDATE

Cllr Unsworth reported that Charitable status was granted to the Community Partnership on 26^th January 2006. This will open up further funding and lottery opportunities. The Regeneration group has now merged with Leader+. The other projects are continuing and a new bid for a £100,000 reordering project for St John’s church has been made. A new Community Partnership newsletter has been printed and a full meeting of the Community Partnership has been arranged for this Wednesday which should be interesting for any councillors who can attend.

COMMUNITY EQUIPMENT BANK,

A letter has been received from Penistone Round Table requesting continued support for the Community Equipment Bank and assistance in forward funding for a grant application to purchase further equipment. Moved by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Punt and RESOLVED that the Town Council support this project and forward fund the application.

LAND REGISTRY

The land registry is offering a reduced rate for Town and Parish Councils to voluntarily register any land owned. The only land not registered is the allotment land to the rear of Penistone Library. It was moved by Cllr Unsworth, seconded by Cllr Elders and RESOLVED that the allotment land be registered.

BOWLING CLUB REQUEST FOR SUPPORT

Cllr Lucas reported to the Council that the Bowling Club has seen a decline in its membership and is seeking support (not financial) to raise its profile. The clerk has suggested was to increase awareness with posters, the Penistone on-line website and the new Community Directory. Cllr Bradbury suggested the Sports Development Worker getting involved with organising bowling dates that would get the young people in and raise the profile. She also suggested the new management at Scout Dyke may wish to incorporate bowling sessions in their activity programme. Cllr Unsworth is to pass on the details to Steve the Sports Development Worker and the Clerk to forward further suggestions.

The dilapidated area of the markets near to the bowling club was also discussed and Barnsley MBC is to be approached regarding opening the market area for parking and improving lighting at night.

PARAMOUNT REPORT

Cllr Elders requested that the members of the Paramount Committee attend the meetings as the last meeting had a poor turnout. We are seeing more people from Barnsley attending the cinema and last weeks half term film was very busy. The Pantomime and recent Abba tribute concert was also successful. We are back to a full staff complement. The UK Film Council grant application has been submitted and we are applying to other bodies for match funding.

EXPENDITURE ITEMS

Moved by Cllr Punt, seconded by Cllr Rusby and RESOLVED that the expenditure items from the general account be paid. It was further moved by Cllr Punt, seconded by Cllr Harrison and RESOLVED that the Town Council approve the internet purchase by credit card, of a new cooker for the Community Centre by the Clerk and agree the reimbursement.

It was further moved by Cllr Punt, seconded by Cllr Elders and RESOLVED that the expenditure items for the Paramount account be paid.

YORKSHIRE DAY UPDATE - Confirmation of temporary administration appointment.

It was moved by Cllr Harrison, seconded by Cllr Rusby and RESOLVED that due to the confidential nature of employment issues, this item be moved to the end of the agenda and discussed with the exclusion of public and press.

PENISTONE WELL DRESSING GROUP - REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT –

Penistone Well Dressing group have written asking for the continued support of the Town Council and forwarded a copy of their annual accounts. Moved by Cllr Unsworth, seconded by Cllr Rusby and RESOLVED that the council gives a donation of £300.00 as before.

CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS:

(i) Barnsley Green Spaces

Part One: Our Strategy Consultation

(ii) Barnsley Local Development Framework

Submission of Statement of Community Involvement

A hard copy of both these lengthy documents is at Community Centre and it is available online at Barnsley Website, www.barnsley.gov.uk – The invitation is to comment by 24^th March 2006. It was agreed to be placed on the next agenda if anyone had comments to make.

PENISTONE RURAL ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE

Penistone Rural Road Safety committee have expressed concerns about the increased volume of traffic anticipated with the new Mottram bypass and are requesting support for the provision of a bypass for Langsett and Midhope. Moved by Cllr Punt, seconded by Cllr Unsworth and RESOLVED that a letter of support be sent from this council,

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

Participation session for members of the electorate in Penistone. (10 minutes in total)

A member of the public requested that the Paramount Committee consider making a feature of the stained glass in the ceiling of the auditorium. It was agreed to take this to the next meeting.

DIARY DATES:

YLCA South Yorkshire Branch Meeting, Weds 22^nd February at 7pm, Armthorpe Community Centre

Penistone Community Partnership, Weds 22^nd Feb, St Andrews Church, 7pm

Penistone West, Crime & Safety Sub Group, Weds 22^nd Feb, St Johns Community Centre, 7pm

Penistone Show will take place on 9^th September 2006.