Stone Technical clinches maintenance contracts at heritage sites

18 March 2013

Darlington-based Stone Technical Services has won several major contracts in Yorkshire. The company, which deals with top high level and general maintenance and restoration companies, has been appointed by English Heritage to carry out condition surveys to two historic mills and preservation works at an important ruin, celebrated by the well-known artist JMW Turner.

Near Otley, in West Yorkshire, Stone has secured a contract to carry out structural safety work to Dob Park Lodge, an early 17th century lodge which is now an ancient ruin. Stone will complete structural steel and consolidation works on the former hunting lodge which has undergone £25,000 worth of repairs. The lodge, on the edge of the Washburn Valley, is said to have inspired prominent artist JMW Turner and is now part of the famous tourist attraction, the Turner Trail.

Dale End Mill in Lothersdale on the Pennine Way in North Yorkshire is reputedly home to the largest indoor waterwheel in the world, dating back to the 1800s. It also played an important role in the growth of the textile industry in the region. However, decades of inactivity have meant the mill has fallen into disrepair and it is currently undergoing a major restoration project to restore it to its former glory to transform it into a leading tourist attraction with a café, workshops and educational facilities.

In Huddersfield, Turnbridge Mill now accommodates office and commercial premises but also played a leading role in the growth of the textile industry in the area. Like Dale End Mill, it is also a listed structure and condition surveys are required to protect it from damage and falling into disrepair. Stone is completing condition surveys to ensure both listed monuments remain safe and well-maintained.

Stone Technical Services is one of the UK’s most accredited specialists and works with high profile organisations such as English Heritage, the National Trust, the NHS, British Waterways and Network Rail to carry out a range of maintenance, safety and conservation projects.

In addition, the business is the approved contractor managing lightning protection on St Paul’s Cathedral and works with housing associations, historic structures, churches, war memorials, schools, offices, car parks and councils.

Managing director of Stone, Dave Stone, said: “These Yorkshire structures make up a significant part of the UK’s heritage and it’s so important that they’re protected. The textile industry played such a major role in the country’s economic growth while Dob Park Lodge is now a landmark on the Turner Trail. Safeguarding such monuments is a key part of the work that we do and these projects in Yorkshire illustrate why this is so important.”

Darlington brothers, Dave and Grahame Stone, established Stone Technical Services in 1998 and now have offices in Edinburgh city centre, near Stockport in Cheshire, close to Piccadilly Circus in central London and Pinner in Middlesex, as well as their HQ on Kellaw Road in Darlington.

Thanks to its growth, the company is planning to create a number of jobs to add to its 30 strong workforce.

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