TALKS are taking place which could see big improvements at Penistone railway station.
Half-hourly services could be just part of changes which might be needed to cope with new housing.
Members of Penistone Area Council were told of the possibilities as part of a special presentation by Paul Doherty of Barnsley Council.
He was spotlighting how money known as Section 106 cash is allocated around the borough. The money comes from developers and is aimed at making schemes more acceptable than they might otherwise be. Cash is spent on items such as roads, public transport, education and open space.
Mr Doherty, group leader for planning control and 106 monitoring, said in the future there is potential for rail station expenditure.
“There have been talks with Network Rail about, among other things, delivering half-hourly services,” he said.
Coun Andrew Millner said: “We have been campaigning for this for years. This should be a rail hub and there could be land available. It seems Net-work Rail are keen to develop the station and to improve it.”
Mr Doherty said there needs to be a review of Penistone’s road structure and public transport ready for any future housing scheme and 106 potential.
“This will make the area even more popular as a place to live if people are able to more easily commute,” said Coun Millner. “Bring it on.”
