Club targeted by vandals to be demolished

Developers have been given five years to clear the site of the old Alexandra Working Men's Club

A former working men's club in Royston which has become a target for break-ins and vandalism is to be demolished.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council approved plans to clear the site of the Alexandra Working Men's Club, on High Street, which has been empty since it closed earlier this year.

The building, which is owned by Samuel Smith's Brewery, has deteriorated leading to fears it could face the same fate as the former Bullet Sports and Social Club, which had to be urgently demolished following a catastrophic fire.

Planning documents describe repeated trespassing, damage to windows and doors, and concerns that thieves could unknowingly disturb asbestos during break-ins.

Under the approved scheme, the building will be fenced off, utilities capped and an asbestos demolition survey carried out before the work starts, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It is estimated it will take eight to 10 weeks to bring the structure down to its foundations.

Barnsley Council said there were "limited grounds" to oppose demolition.

The building is not listed, lies outside a conservation area, and planners concluded it would require significant investment to be viable for community use.

No objections were received from councillors or residents during the consultation.

While there are currently no redevelopment proposals, the brewery says the land could eventually be brought forward for regeneration in line with local planning strategies.

The building must be removed within five years of the application.

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