THIEVES have caused an estimated £10,000 of damage to the former Lacewood primary school after stealing lead from the roof.
The tenants did not know the extent of the damage until heavy rain on Sunday night flooded through the roof.
Lacewood is currently leased by Dearne Valley Venture which is in the process of buying the building.
DVV plans use it as a community centre once the purchase is complete.
Vice chairman Brian Roberts said he had hoped the organisation’s involvement would stop problems such as this occurring.
Brian said: “The idea was that we would be in here to prevent vandalism. We didn’t realise they would be up on the roof and rip all the lead off.
“We’re talking £10,000 of damage - it’s not the lead itself - it’s the damage they do while they’re up there.
“There’s been water pouring through. We’re trying to get hold of the insurers to find out what they can do about it.”
