SICKENED community workers are vowing to fight on with restorations to a historical landmark which is being hit by vandals on a daily basis.
Yobs have smashed stonework and scaffolding at the 18th century Hoyland Lowe Stand - a Grade II listed building. Equipment has also been damaged and some repairs so badly wrecked that a restart is needed.
Police have arrested two people in connection with the attacks - but still the vandalism continues.
And the trust spearheading the fledgling restoration project warns that trespassers could be at risk of serious or even fatal injury while the work is ongoing.
Steve Smith, of the Hoyland Lowe Stand Trust, said: “It is depressing that this is happening just as we make a start on the restoration, but we will continue.
“This is one of the few historical landmarks in Hoyland and people are very upset by what is happening.”
He said that thanks to a grant from the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership, work had now been started on Hoyland’s ‘beloved’ Lowe Stand.
“It has been a long, drawn-out process and we thank everyone for their support and patience,” said Mr Smith.
“We have kept publicity about the works low-key until now but it is obvious work has begun as the site is scaffolded. The reason for not publicising the restoration was due to fears of vandalism and health and safety implications.
“Unfortunately, none of this has deterred vandals, and this has increased over the last week. The stonework and scaffold have been smashed and damaged. Areas of repaired stonework to the top of the tower have been kicked over and require a restart. And equipment has also been criminally damaged.”
Witnesses have reported * around five or six youths, allegedly of school age, regularly trespassing on the site and seen causing damage.
“We assume they are repeat offenders,” said Mr Smith. “Not only are they trespassing and causing criminal damage, but they are at risk of severe, even fatal injury.
“The footpath to and from the stand has an official closure order from Barnsley Council while restoration is underway and the path is fenced-off to help with health and safety.”
Police arrested two people but two days later more of the tower was knocked down again, despite security being beefed up.
“The level of criminal damage and the effort made to access the area and scaffold is beyond ‘mischief’ - it’s wilful criminal intent,” said Mr Smith.
The trust is working with police and Kirk Balk Academy in a bid to identify the trespassers. Mr Smith said: “The trust will request that full charges be pressed against them, as they are wasting community and kindly-donated money.”
The Lowe Stand is owned by Barnsley Council and on council land.
“We took on the lease to enable the renovations to take place,” said Mr Smith.
“The restoration appeal has been going on for ten years. Barnsley Council and others have pushed the last hurdle. The council has done a fantastic job and we are really grateful.”
The trust has raised £20,000 and this has been match-funded by DVLP.
“Our aim is to make the stand watertight, secure and sound for the next generation,” said Mr Smith. “If we can open it up for public occasions we will do so.
“Currently, it couldn’t be used for much but in the future maybe for school or history group visits, a small museum etc.
“Basically, we want to restore it to its former glory.”
He said the damage had been a real blow. “We are getting daily visits from the vandals and this is sickening for the trust and the public,” he said.
“There has been a lot of feedback on social media. People are really unhappy as they have given money for the restoration. We hope to identify those responsible and put a stop to it. The community is behind us.”
If anyone has any information to help with eliminating the vandalism, they are asked to contact the Trust via its Facebook page or website.
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HOYLAND Lowe Stand was commissioned by the first Marquis of Rockingham.
Built of stone, the main block consists of two storeys with a flat roof reached by stone steps. Built around 1750, it most likely served as a huntsman’s lodge and observation point during local hunts and gatherings. Nearby Tankersley and Wentworth parks were noted for red deer.
It is on a parcel of land to which it might owe its name - Lowe is the Norman name for ‘hill’ - and towers 600ft above sea level. Wakefield Cathedral and York Minster are among the views.
Lowe Stand used to belong to Dearne Valley Water Board, who transferred it to the former Hoyland UDC as part of the land was used for a large underground reservoir.
The borough council wanted the stand to be preserved as a historical building, but in the last 20 years it has fallen into disrepair. The lead-covered ball and point on top of it has disappeared and doors once blocked up to secure the building have been knocked down, leaving the stand open to abuse.
