Campaigners fighting to reopen the former Scout Dike outdoor activity centre near Barnsley have gained the backing of local MP Marie Tidball, who has launched a petition urging Barnsley Council to let a community consortium take over the site. The centre, which has hosted school, scout and guide trips for over six decades, closed last year after operator Kingswood went into administration, and campaigners fear it could otherwise be demolished to make way for housing.

Scout Dike, in Thurlstone, dates back to a World War Two military camp bought by the council afterwards; it had around 120 beds, a swimming pool and water sports on its reservoir. Campaigners, including former teacher Darren Padgett and Nick Stubbs, envisage turning it into a national centre of outdoor excellence teaching land stewardship, food management and vocational skills, and say they have national support including from the chief scout. An earlier bid to have the building listed as an asset of community value was rejected and is now being appealed, while Barnsley Council says no decisions have been made and there are no demolition plans in the coming weeks.