Hunting tower won't be sold off

Hoyland Lowe Stand – originally an 18th century hunting tower but now a ruin – had been earmarked for auction as part of a massive sale of Barnsley Council assets, which is expected to raise around 85.6 million.

But now the council has agreed to take the building off its list – pending further discussions – after angry locals argued the landmark was an important piece of the area’s history.

Campaigner Andy Turner collected more than 800 signatures on a petition, and has the full support of independent councillor Steve Sylvester.

He said: “We have been inundated with complaints since the sell-off proposals were announced. It’s very important to the local area that Hoyland Lowe Stand is saved. Ideally it wants saving and then renovating so the public can enjoy it again.”

The Lowe Stand, off Hawshaw Lane, was built as a hunting tower for the Marquis of Rockingham in 1720 and was converted into a house in 1840. But it has suffered years of neglect and is now in ruins.

Robin Franklin, vice-chair of the Forge partnership which works for Hoyland, said: “Obviously Barnsley Council needs the money but we have argued there are certain things that shouldn’t be sold off and the Lowe Stand is one of them. It is absolutely disgusting that they have let it turn into such a state in the first place.”

The council announced a hit-list of 171 properties and land, including garages, houses, shops, offices and ground leases, whichwill go under the hammer over the next three years.