AN historic listed building in the Holme Valley faces uncertainty following a spate of thefts.

The 200-year-old Grade II building at Heady Field, on the Meltham Golf Club site, is becoming increasingly derelict as it is repeatedly targeted by thieves.

They have struck at least six times in recent months and stolen valuable stone slates from the roof of the Wilshaw Road building. And an interior staircase and fireplace have also gone.

Golf club officials have been trying for the last three years to sell the property, which looks like a large stone barn from Wilshaw Road, but is in fact two weavers cottages with attached laithes, or small barns.

The club had a buyer lined up a couple of years ago and a development company wanted to turn the building into exclusive houses.

But the offer came just before the downturn in the construction industry and the deal fell through.

Secretary John Dixon has now heard that the club’s request to have the building de-listed has been rejected by English Heritage.

A de-listing would have given potential buyers more options to convert the property as current planning laws prohibit anyone from changing the facade of the building or adding new windows.

Mr Dixon said: “The building is causing us a headache.

“It is a very solid building with a lot of history and heritage, but it is the target of unwelcome visitors.

“Thieves are causing no end of problems for us. They are stealing the stone slates from the roof of the property.

“The police say it is low priority and we never hear anything back.