Ruins could lead to more jobs (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Ruins could lead to more jobs

3:16pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Business

A BUILDING restoration company could create a number of new jobs after being chosen to carry out work on an ancient ruin depicted by a famous artist.

Stone Technical Services, in Darlington, has been appointed by English Heritage to perform structural safety workonthe early17thcentury Dob Park Lodge, near Otley, West Yorkshire.

The company, which currently employs 30 people, will carry out steel consolidation work on the former hunting lodge, which is said to have inspired artist JMW Turner and is now part ofthe Turner Trail tourist attraction.

Stone will also deliver a condition surveys on Dale End Mill, in Lothersdale, North Yorkshire, which is beingrestoredintoacafeand workshops, and Turnbridge Mill, in Huddersfield, which was used in the textile industry,to ensure the listed buildings remain safe.

Managing director of Stone, Dave Stone, said: These 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.

Founded in 1998 by Dave and Grahame Stone, the company has worked on St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Courts of Justice, in London and York Royal Theatre.