THE tower at Locke Park has reopened to the public - more than 20 years after its closure.
The folly, built in memory of a railway pioneer's widow, was closed due to safety fears.
Having had an £80,000 restoration to fix its spiral staircase, the outside steps and the electrics, it's now back to its former glory.
It was built in 1877 as a memorial to engineer Joseph Locke's wife, Phoebe, who created the park in his memory.
Another £120,000 still needs to be raised to repair the ornate stonework.
Bob Britton, from the Friends of Locke Park group, said the tower was an 'icon' for the people of Barnsley.
"The experience of going up to the top of the tower has been lost for a generation," he added.
The mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Ken Richardson, reopened the tower on September 14 and said: "Many people have wanted to see the tower reopen for a number of years and I'm honoured to take part in this event.
"Locke Park is a beautiful place to visit and the fact that the much loved tower is now back in use just makes it an even better experience."
