A CAMPAIGN has been launched to reopen a popular activity centre in Penistone which was used by thousands of children from across Barnsley before it closed.
Scout Dike in Penistone operated for decades with youngsters from schools across the borough and beyond using it for residential trips.
The site, on Huddersfield Road, was used as a US Army base and war-time evacuee camp but in its later days was used as an activity centre.
It shut in 2000 but Kingswood took on the site in 2006 on a lease by the council but, after the company went into administration, the asset was handed back over to Barnsley Council last year.
It has been unused but a campaign has now been launched by Nick Stubbs and Darren Padgett to have the site listed as a community asset.
The campaign comes after a Freedom of Information request revealed that it could be sold - but making it a community asset would give the group six months to raise funds.
Nick told the Chronicle: “Despite suggestions of ‘no community interest’, the response from schools, families, youth groups, businesses, volunteers, and local residents has been overwhelming.
“People care deeply about Scout Dike - not only as a place for outdoor learning, but as a space for wellbeing, connection, skills development and community identity.
“Our aim is to reopen and revitalise the site as a community‑led, intergenerational outdoor learning centre.
“We want Scout Dike to be a place where people of all ages can build confidence, capability and connection through nature‑based education, practical skills, food growing, environmental stewardship and shared community action.
“It is especially important for people navigating transition, isolation, burnout, or limited access to green and blue space.
“We are hoping for a transparent, collaborative process that recognises the value of the site and the strength of local support.
“We want to work constructively with Barnsley Council, partners and residents to secure a future for Scout Dike that is sustainable, accessible, and rooted in the needs of the district.”
Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has backed the campaign.
She said: “We have a consortium of supremely knowledgeable and passionate people, like Darren Padgett and Nick Stubbs, working to restore the old Scout Dike activity centre to its former glory and establish it as a flagship outdoor centre for Barnsley and beyond.
“It’s a real shame that the centre has been vacant for over a year.
“Where else can you find a Quidditch pitch?
“I know there is massive potential for the site, from providing an alternative learning setting for young people, to acting as a hub for developing trade and leadership skills for young people and adults.
“It was great to kick off conversations with Darren and Nick.
“I’m backing their efforts all the way, and I’ll continue to use my voice to champion our local facilities at a national level.”
Matt O’Neill, executive director for place at Barnsley Council, added: “We are currently reviewing the future of Scout Dike.
“We understand the community’s interest in preserving this location and have already offered to meet with the group leading the asset of community value application.
“We look forward to discussing the plans for the site with them to ensure all voices are heard as we consider the next steps.”
