Woodland treehouse condemned as a dangerous nuisance

A wooden treehouse-style shelter was constructed amid the trees in woodland off Town Lane, Greasbrough, prompting concerns over safety and anti-social behaviour.

It has now reportedly been torn down last week but one resident said he was worried the spot may still be a magnet for trouble come the summer, with a large fire reported two weeks ago.

“The police were there one Saturday night to move the six to eight youths on and whilst there, a PC had the fire brigade come along, to put out the fire,” he said.

“The youths have left their saw, claw-hammer and beer cans, all strewn around the area and have damaged the trees by cutting limbs down and burning saplings for the fire.

“The main support of the structure was on a tree trunk, which, if it had moved and someone was underneath, could have caused a very serious incident.

“The woodland is supposed to be enjoyed by everyone and not a ‘camp’ for youths to frequent every night.

“When summer comes along, there will be many youths congregating here, drinking, messing around and disturbing the residents living in the flats opposite.”

The man, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals, said landowners Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estates had sent staff to “tear the structure down”, but added: “The youths have still been were still congregating in the area and last Sunday evening, they lit a fire (below) and were messing around for ages.

“I had to telephone the police again and they just told me to get in touch with the fire brigade.

“One of the youths poured an accelerant on the fire and it went up pretty quickly.

“The youths scattered and left it to burn for hours as the fire brigade didn’t turn up.

“Apart from damaging the trees and sawing down branches for both the structure and fires, their noise will be difficult to put up with once the warmer weather beckons.

“There were also quite a few owls nesting in the trees there and no doubt they’ve been scared away.”

A spokesperson for Fitzwilliam Wentworth Estates said: “Youngsters congregating and being creative is good. Lockdowns have obstructed social interaction.

“The problem is the youngsters have trespassed, damaged trees and disturbed and worried local residents.

“The estate responded to local concerns and dismantled the camp that had been formed.”

He said estate staff had been liaising with local councillors, adding: “Hopefully, the situation is now resolved and the youngsters will congregate in less problematic ways and locations.”