Help needed to save Bunbury water mill

Feb 25 2010 by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle

Help needed to save Bunbury water mill

A GROUP of villagers is hoping to save historic Bunbury Water Mill from closure by setting up a trust to run it.

United Utilities, which owns the Mill Lane site, announced last month it could no longer afford to keep it running and was looking for somebody to take it over.

Ernest Croley, of Wyche Road in the village, hopes he can gather enough support and funds to set up a charitable trust to save it.

It is one of the few remaining historic mills capable of grinding wheat to food standard flour and attracts visitors from across the region.

Ernest said: “We are determined Bunbury Mill will be saved to be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations.

“It would be devastating if it had to close and would be a great loss to the area.”

The mill is popular with school children who have gone to learn about its design, technology and history in its purpose-built classroom.

United Utilities has confirmed it will stop funding the mill on March 31 and has already had interest from a number of parties who wish to buy the site.

Ernest said he fears it could be turned into housing and shops or, worse, left to deteriorate and become a target for vandals and thieves.

He added: “We are urgently forming a charity that will aim to take control of the mill so as to secure its future.

“There have been numerous expressions of public support and these now need to translated into concerted action.”

Christian Ewen, a spokesman for United Utilities, said: “Our preference remains that the mill continues to be run as a going concern.”

For details contact Ernest on 01829 260344 or email ernest.croley@homecall.co.uk.