Penistone Town Council (PTC) has backed a motion to offer £1 to purchase Penistone Town Hall.

In a meeting yesterday evening, the council made the decision to submit the £1 offer to Barnsley Council, with councillors unanimously supporting the move.

The building was given to Barnsley Council in 1974 and encompasses a cinema that is run by PTC.

However, in a statement last week, PTC said that the building and cinema are ‘under threat once again’, following Barnsley Council’s freeze on the Principal Towns investment that would protect it.

The Chair of Penistone Town Council, Cllr Baroness Hannah Kitching, said: ‘We have received support and encouragement for this proposal from local residents who are fed up of Penistone being taken for granted by Barnsley Council.

‘That was reflected in a unanimous vote of support from councillors of all political parties and none, showing that Penistone Town Council works together for the good of the local community.

‘This vote is just the start; the Town Clerk on behalf of the council can now engage solicitors to approach Barnsley Council and formally make this offer.’

Matt O'Neill, Executive Director for Place at Barnsley Council, said: ‘We have previously discussed the possibility of a Community Asset Transfer with Penistone Town Council. However, earlier in 2026, the town council confirmed that its preferred approach was to occupy the cinema space under a conventional lease, until a Community Asset Transfer could be agreed in the future at a date not specified.

‘At this stage, no formal offer to purchase the building has been received from any party and therefore we are unable to comment further.

‘Any proposal received will be considered through the appropriate processes and assessed in the usual way, including consideration of best value for the taxpayer.’