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Fears for future of 'hidden gem'
ONE of Sheffield's oldest landmarks could be destroyed by arsonists unless something is done to protect it, local residents fear.
Neighbours close to historic Bishops' House museum, at the top of Meersbrook Park, say the 500-year-old building is suffering repeated vandalism.
Bishops' House - the best preserved timber-framed house in Sheffield - was built around 1500. Inside it retains many original features and looks just as it would have in the 17th Century.
But yobs have twice started fires there and local residents fear it could be burnt down. Now more than 380 people have signed a petition calling for urgent action to improve security at the site on Norton Lees Lane.
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David Holt, secretary of Thorpe House Residents' Association, told a council meeting that Museums Sheffield, which is responsible for Bishops' House, was meant to erect a fence years ago.
He said: "Bishops' House is one of Sheffield's hidden gems but it's in a vulnerable position and has had numerous broken windows and graffiti and there have been two incidents of arson.
"Our concerns are not new. Back in May 2006 it became very clear some form of separation from Meersbrook Park was crucial to protect the building from arson attacks which could destroy it.
"We had a lot of warm words of assurance about a fence being put up but, two years later, there is yet to be a planning application.
"Museums Sheffield have spent millions developing Weston Park but the oldest building in their care hasn't received any attention.
"The ultimate loss will be to the people of Sheffield - there's not much point promoting a burnt-out pile of rubble."
Nick Dodd, chief executive of Museums Sheffield, said a number of security measures had been implemented.
But he blamed a lack of funding for Bishops' House on poor visitor numbers - even though the museum is only open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays for around six hours each day, and may not open at weekends at all in the case of staff illness.
"While we've been working on the huge Weston Park project we've continued to explore funding sources for Bishops' House," he said.
"However as our smallest museum, and with relatively low visitor figures compared to our other museums, it has proved difficult to attract interest from major funders."
He said: "Unlike our larger museums, Bishops' House has a small front-of-house team" - adding staff illness may mean the museum cannot open.
Coun Sylvia Dunkley, cabinet member for culture, promised to raise the issue as soon as possible with Mr Dodd and "see what we can do to improve this situation".
"This is an important Grade II listed building and we should do everything we can to promote and preserve it," she said.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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