“Little Marton Windmill is one of Blackpool’s iconic heritage buildings. We’ve been working on identifying funding to put back the sails that have welcomed generations of people to Blackpool. “Over the last two years we’ve been focused on emergency repairs to the cap and windows to get the building watertight. In the background we’ve been commissioning specialist surveys and working with heritage experts too, with an eye on longer-term plans for the mill. It’s a more complex job than it might first appear, though. The mill is a Grade-II listed building so we’re working to understand the best methods and materials needed to complete the works. “The last wooden sails quickly deteriorated due to water damage. Because they couldn’t turn, water pooled along the same parts of the wooden structure meaning they soon rotted. The specialists we’re working with are working on a solution that will allow us to turn the new sails every few months, to prevent that same deterioration happening again. “The Friends group have been excellent stewards for the windmill over the years and I’m so pleased their commitment and efforts will be rewarded with thorough restoration works.”

“We’re delighted to have this funding and it will make a huge difference to our community who are all proud of the mill. “We know the council have been working on trying to identify funding to put the sails back on since they completed emergency repairs to the cap last year. We also know there have been complications with trying to find the right solution that will allow us to turn the sails so they don’t rot. “The council have kept us in the loop with all this, and to have it so soon is fantastic.”