Lytham mill —back to the grind

Lytham windmill, one of the resort's major tourist attractions might be made operational again.
The Fylde Leisure and Amenities Committee last night discussed a report on the mill by chief technical officer Mr D. Illsley.

Mr. Illsley said that if corn could be ground at the mill again, the tourist attraction would increase and there would be a great deal of beneficial publicity.

He added: "In view of the importance the mill has in local lore, I will never be happy until I have satisfied myself that renovation is beyond reasonable expense."

Imaginative

The committee decided to apply for a supplementary estimate of £1,700 to get the structure in reasonable condition and that a further report into the mill's future be produced.
Coun. Aiken said he agreed with the mill being preserved, but asked: "Is there any point in getting it operational again?"
Coun J. E. Gouldbourn remarked that this was the first really imaginative report produced by an official for a long time.
It could even be made commercial, animal feed could be ground there, and he also suggested putting a little shop there to sell flour.
He felt sure that one of the big flour combines would be interested and that it was very worth while.

Extra cost

Coun M. Corbett stressed the publicity value of such an enterprise.
Coun R. Spencer, MBE, agreed with retaining the mill, because, he said, it was one of the finest standpoints in the Fylde, and so well known.
He pointed out, however, that there would be an extra cost involving staffing the mill if it were operational.
Conn G. Caldwell pointed out that many mills were being restored operationally in Holland.
Wind provided energy if harnessed and such a mill could be used to generate stored electricity.