Mill in 'perilously poor state' set for repairs

The historic Tone Works in Wellington have fallen into disrepair

A Grade II listed former textile mill, described as being in a "perilously poor state", could be set to undergo repairs under new plans.

Somerset Council has made an application to itself for permission to carry out repairs to the Tone Works site on Milverton Road in Wellington, which would include improving support structures, the roof and masonry.

Tone Works, and the nearby Tonedale Mill, were owned for nearly 200 years by Fox Brothers & Co Ltd which produced woollen garments and it was a major industry in the region before it closed in 2000.

A spokesperson for Somerset Council said: "We are seeking listed building consent to carry out roof repairs for some of the Tone Works buildings."

The spokesperson added: "This is all part of the agreed Levelling Up-funded repair works. Once we have consent we will be able to finalise designs."

Local architectural firm, Thread, is working with the council on the plans which will look to remove damaged parts of the sprawling building, such as rafters and roof slates, and replace them with lower-maintenance material.

Bat boxes and new ventilation will also be installed.

Thread added that the building is in a "perilously poor state" and there was damage to the historic machinery inside it.

The nearby Tonedale Mill is also in need of significant repairs

The company said: "Tone Works is the largest intact textile finishing works in the South West and likely contains the last most complete set of historic textile finishing machinery in the country.

"It yields extensive evidence of the Fox Brothers' history as one of the longest surviving family-run textile firms in the country, including their role in the development of the woollen textile industry and water, steam and electric power generation as part of the industrial revolution."

Somerset Council was awarded £20m in 2023 for the regeneration of the site as part of the then-government's Levelling Up Fund.

It has confirmed that £3.7m of the funding will be spent at the Tone Works, with the remaining £16.3m on Tonedale Mill – which, unlike Tone Works, is currently in private hands.