FORT MILL, S.C. — After more than 20 years the castle in Regent Park came under attack on Tuesday.
Bulldozers started ripping the grounds apart.
"My wife prays here every morning and she was sad this morning," said John DeRienzo, "We thought it was an icon because of what it represented it could have stayed here."
Clearly the community had grown attached to the structure in Fort Mill that was once a part of Heritage U.S.A. and later a water park attracting visitors from all over the country.
Current owner Morningstar Ministries said it became clear the best option was to tear it down and build something new, but late Tuesday afternoon, county officials abruptly stopped the demolition.
They said the health department had no record of a permit for work to destroy the landmark.
"Even though it is kind of run down ... with a new paint job and a little tender love and care it could have been awesome," said Caleb Newton.
Work to erase what is left will continue once the proper paperwork is in hand.
"Progress is progress so I suppose this is progress. The church does not have to pay for it, so that is a good thing so I hope it is a win, win for everybody," said DeRienzo.
WSOC
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
