Barn campaigners hope new light can be shed on building's history

A small group of people have been working to save Reignhead Farm Barn, in the centre of Beighton on the outskirts of Sheffield, for several years.

The winnowing barn, which experts believe is more than 250 years old, was originally part of a farm operated by tenants who lived in a nearby cottage.

The site was bought by Sheffield Council around two decades ago. Since then the cottage has been condemned and the barn used for storage.

Residents now believe the authority is preparing to demolish the barn and sell the site for housing and have called on English Heritage to halt development.

Andy Everest, a member of Friends of Reignhead Barn, said: "It is the last remaining piece of the village's agricultural heritage and should be preserved.

"We have spent two years trying to research its history but have struggled. Beighton used to be in Derbyshire, but there is virtually no information in either the Sheffield or the Derbyshire archive."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Friends. Addresses are available on the group's website at www.reignhead.co.uk