South Yorkshire Times, April 12, 1969

Demolition Fate or Not for 17th Century House

The proposed demolition of a house in Newhill Road, Wath, which is among the buildings of architectural and historical interest is causing concern to the tenant. Mr G. Cooke, who is quite content to stay in the house.

Wath Urban Council, however, feel that too much work is needed to me the house habitable, and they they have asked that it be demolished.

Mrs. Coke has lived in the house, 56, Newhill Road. for nine years, and she knew the Misses Payne, who previously owned the house.

About two years ago Wath Urban Council bought the house from the Misses Payne, and now they have offered Mrs. Cooke alternative accommodation so the house can be demolished.

But Mrs. Cooke says she will be quite happy to stay if she can just have hot water and a bathroom installed. The rambling house has six large rooms and several small rooms, with a large garden at the hack. “The Council say too much money would have to be spent on the house, but I only want hot water and a bathroom, and grants are available for things like that. They have offered me alternative accommodation, but it would not be the same,” she said.

The large garden at the back of the house, attracts children, who love to play there, and Mrs. Cooke added that rather than see the building pulled down she would like it to be turned into a children’s home. “There are some large rooms upstairs which could quite easily be made into dormitories,” she said.

Petition Suggested

Several of Mrs.Cooke neighbours have expressed their concern that the building, which was built during the 17th Century, is to be demolished and they have suggested that Mrs. Cooke organise a petition.

Mrs- Cooke added, however, that she was not in very good health and would not be able to organise a petition but she would be making a formal objection to the demolition.

Mr. R. H. Fish, Clerk to Wath Urban Council, said yesterday (Thursday) that in the view of the Council the house was unfit for human habitation, and it would have been demolished earlier had it not been for the fact that it was listed among the buildings of architectural and historical interest.