Windmill 'at risk' after years of neglect
BBCAn 18th Century windmill will be put on Historic England's at-risk register after years of neglect.
Ellis Mill in Lincoln, which was built in 1798, last operated fully in 2020, and has only opened to the public occasionally since then.
Historic England visited the mill in March and said it had "damp, damage to exterior brickwork and failing paintwork" on the wooden cap and sails.
Lincolnshire County Council, which owns the Grade I listed building, said it was considering options for its future and other windmills it owns.
In a letter seen by the BBC, Historic England stated "Ellis Mill has been added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register".
The list identifies sites the preservation charity thinks "are most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development".
The letter, sent to Lincolnshire County Council, said the mill would be added to the list "principally on account of the damp and damage to the exterior brickwork".
It also mentioned "splits and falling paintwork to the timber of the cap, fantail and sail boards" and "damp to the interior and work required to the windmill machinery to get the mill back in use" as reasons for its future inclusion.
The assessment of the mill comes at a time when a community group hopes to take over the running and maintenance of it.
A public meeting held by The Ellis Mill Rescue Group on Thursday 30 July attracted about 150 people.
Philip Cragg, from the group, said they "had a hunch this issue was very important to the community" but he was "absolutely bowled over to see the number of people coming to the meeting".
The group has presented a business plan to Lincolnshire County Council, which details how it would run the mill if it was handed over to them.
But the group wants the council to pay for the estimated £500,000 repairs it needs to return it to working order.
It believes the council has a legal obligation to repair it based on historical promises it made when taking over the mill in the 1990s.
Rob Gibson, deputy leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: "The council owns four windmills - each one is in a different condition with different management arrangements.
"We are looking at what the options are for each of these sites. We've been pleased to have been in talks with interested groups to give the mills a sustainable future and this work is almost completed.
"A windmill strategy will be proposed for further engagement in the coming months and we will then be in a position to take decisions on how we progress."
The BBC has contacted Historic England for comment.
Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.
Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices
