Popular attraction Bunbury Watermill is to undergo a major refurbishment.
The £12,500 makeover has been approved by WREN, a not-for-profit business which awards grants to community, heritage and environmental projects across the UK.
It means the Mill, which stands on the River Gowy at Bunbury, near Nantwich, will be restored and preserved so it can open for longer throughout the year.
Peter Cox, managing director of WREN, said: “We’re delighted to support the work of the Bunbury Watermill Trust and the local community in restoring the Mill and preserving a valuable heritage site for future generations.”
The Mill stands on a site that has been in use for more than ten centuries.
The present building was constructed in early Victorian times and most of the plant and machinery dates from that period.
It has been serving the needs of Bunbury for a long time, including giving sterling service during two world wars.
And the old Mill still works by producing flour, using no more power than the massive waterwheel and the enthusiasm of local volunteers.
But time has taken its toll and it urgently need improvement work.
This includes re-pointing brick-work to dry out and stabilise the old mill building, new lighting to ensure it can be used in dark winter evenings, re-plumbing to improve sanitary standards and paving outside the visitor centre.
Ernest Croley, chairman of the Bunbury Watermill Trust, said: “The offer from WREN of a grant of £12,500 is excellent news and will enable us to go ahead with these projects.
“The work will start in the next few weeks.
“Soon afterwards we will be able to offer enhanced facilities to the many visitors who come to enjoy a much loved part of our heritage.
“All age groups are catered for, from school parties to pensioner groups, and those who just want a quiet cup of tea, or simply to enjoy the site.
“We give in excess of one thousand guided tours every year. Not bad for a bunch of volunteers!”
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