Summer start for scaled-back restoration of historic lodge

Coun Rose McNeely represents the Boston ward in Rotherham, which is named after Boston Castle, an 18th century hunting lodge built by Thomas Howard, the Earl of Effingham.

A scheme to refurbish the building, which overlooks the Don Valley and stands in a public park, has been on the table for several years, but has faced a series of setbacks.

The Friends of Boston Castle was set up in an attempt to attract lottery cash to bring the vandalised building back into use, and a successful bid was made last year for £590,000.

But all the work could have been wasted after Rotherham Council announced that it was cutting its support for the scheme late in 2010 as a result of Government funding cuts.

A compromise was reached earlier this year, which has allowed the scheme to go ahead, but in a scaled-back form, and Coun McNeely said she was pleased the project would finally go ahead.

She added: “As a Boston ward councillor, I am delighted that during my mayoral year the renovation scheme has been finally agreed.

“Everyone, from council officers to the Friends of Boston Castle, has worked really hard to bring this scheme together.

“The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham and I am looking forward to inspecting the plans and explaining to the local youngsters what they can expect when the work finally begins in August.”