Update on plans for historic Blackpool windmill after sails lost

Plans to restore Blackpool’s historic Little Marton Windmill have stalled after all four existing sails from the landmark were found to be rotten.

The mill on Preston New Road has stood without its sails since they were removed in May 2023 after one of the sails was damaged during high winds.

But the council, which owns the Grade II listed windmill, has pledged to work with the community to put together a repair programme while urgent repairs will be carried out to the cap of the windmill.

It is hoped to work in partnership with the Friends of Little Marton Windmill to eventually replace the missing sails.

Coun Mark Smith, cabinet member for economy and built environment, said: “The council has had reports of significant leaks to the roof/cap of Little Marton Mill and has commissioned a survey to look at repairs.

“These emergency repairs will be a priority and will be carried out as soon as ground and weather conditions permit. It is likely the cap will need more work in the next two to three years and the survey will establish its overall condition and set out what further repairs might be needed in the future.

“With an eye to the longer term future of the mill, the council has met with the friends to discuss a longer term programme of improvements including the replacement of the sails and a re-painting of the mill and a review of internal access arrangements.

“This will see the council working in closer partnership with the friends and third party funders like the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“As the mill is just one of a number of listed buildings owned by the council, we will also be looking at engaging with other groups in a similar way, to try and better engage with and support the local communities who are often at the forefront of caring for buildings like these, as well as our parks and other community assets.”

The windmill had to be cordoned off after one of the sails fell off during high winds on Good Friday (April 7) last year. The remaining three sails were then removed for assessment by Wesham-based specialist joiner Joe Gillett.

Shirley Matthews, of the Friends of Little Marton Windmill, said: “We do hope we can get the work done which is needed, and we are working with the council to achieve this.”

The Grade II listed windmill was built in 1838 by John Hays on the site of an earlier mill and according to Blackpool Civic Trust it operated until at least 1923.

A petition has also been started calling for the renovation of the landmark by the council, and has so far attracted around 500 signatures.

Kevin Hodgson, who started the petition which is hosted on Change.org: said: “Little Marton Windmill is a Grade II listed building and the first heritage site visitors see coming into Blackpool off the M55 motorway.”

Repairs have recently been carried out at another Fylde coast windmill – Marsh Mill in Thornton – by Wyre Council after it handed the building back to owners Melrose Development Services at the end of a 25-year lease.

The petition can be signed at change.org/SaveLittleMartonWindmill