Repair work delays plan to re-open historic site

Marsh Mill at Thornton is undergoing an £80,000 restoration, and the mill’s friends’ group received an update on the repair work at their annual general meeting.

Group chairman Michael Brightman said the repaired sails, now at a specialist millwright, were ready to go back in place, but the fantail and wooden beams in the 221-year-old building had to be replaced first.

There was no firm date for the re-opening of the mill for the summer, but it would not be by Easter, as had been hoped.

The mill is owned by developers Melrose and leased to the council.

Mr Brightman said there had been progress on tackling a problem of damp by the installation of two louvred windows to help air circulation.

He said: “I am told there has already been an improvement to the mill and the walls are drying out nicely.

“If the damp problem can be brought under control, it would mean further work could take place internally.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the Friends of Marsh Mill should call Margaret Croker on 01253 777950 or Jane Knapman on 01253 826601.

Marsh Mill is the best-preserved windmill in the north west of England. It was built in 1794 by millwright Ralph Slater.