Windmill restoration group seeks more volunteers

Volunteers hope repairs to the Little Marton Windmill could soon begin

A team dedicated to restoring a Grade ll listed windmill to its former glory has appealed for more volunteers.

Little Marton Windmill, owned by Blackpool Council, is one of the first sights to greet visitors travelling into the town along Preston New Road.

Shirley Matthews, of the Friends of Little Marton Windmill group, said she hoped the council was about to start repairing the structure's cap, which needs to be done before its sails can be restored.

In the meantime, she said volunteers had been working on the exhibition space inside the famous Lancashire landmark.

'Industrial heritage'

The windmill was built in 1838 on the site of an earlier mill and, according to Blackpool Civic Trust, it operated until at least 1923.

Its sails had to be removed in May 2023 after one of them was damaged in high winds.

Ms Matthews said: "We are hoping that scaffolding will be erected outside the mill as soon as possible in order to mend the cap.

"Her sails are still a high priority and the money already donated is in the Friends of Little Marton Windmill's account.

"Like so many of those who come and visit and bring their families in, you are all helping to keep our future generations interested in Blackpool's industrial heritage."

Last year the windmill was visited by the National Trust Ribble Centre, whose members support local sites of historic interest.

A Go Fund Me campaign, led by Blackpool resident Kevin Hodgson, raised £1,130.

Blackpool Council has commissioned a survey to explore the full extent of the repairs that the windmill needs.

The local authority said it hoped to work with the Friends Group, including on possible bids for National Lottery funding for the work, which could cost up to £45,000.