A LOCAL councillor is encouraging residents to turn in mindless vandals who targeted the Grade II-listed Worsbrough Mill earlier this week.

Over the weekend, eight of the mill building’s windows were smashed by vandals much to the frustration of the countless staff and volunteers who give up their time to keep the area in good condition.

The damage caused is set to be expensive to repair due to specialist workers needing to attend due to the fact the site is listed.

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “I was incredibly disappointed to hear about the mindless vandalism that had been carried out at Worsbrough Mill over the weekend.

“Our staff and volunteers work incredibly hard to make our museum and country park a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone to visit.

“Unfortunately, the thoughtless actions of a few individuals have undermined their efforts and diverted valuable resources toward repairing this senseless damage.

“We don’t tolerate such acts of vandalism in our beautiful borough, and we’re working with South Yorkshire Police to identify and prosecute the individuals involved.

“If you have any information about the incident, please get in touch with our team at safer@barnsley.gov.uk, or report this to the police by calling 101.”

Coun Jake Lodge added: “This mindless vandalism is just wrong and those who are responsible need to be held accountable.

“It’s more disheartening that this has happened in the Mill’s 400th year.

“We’ve seen criminal activity across the Country Park, with damage to the Canal Bank, which has reduced since I arrange for the installation of barriers.

“But now this means that the Mill will have to spend several hundreds of pounds to repair the building, which is money that should be spent on vital maintenance to this historic building.”