WINDMILL SAVED FROM THE AXE
THE sails will continue to turn at Wales’ only working windmill after fears it would close due to council cuts.
Melin Llynnon will open for the summer season despite an appeal for groups or societies to run it initially drawing a blank.
Anglesey council, who said last autumn it could no longer afford to keep the windmill nor Beaumaris Courthouse and Gaol open to the public, yesterday announced that both will reopen on April 8, allowing further negotiations with interested parties to find a longer term solution.
Annest Rowlands, who’s been running the onsite cafe in Llanddeusant for the past six years, had presented the authority with a plan to keep the windmill open.
Now she will also be responsible for operating the onsite shop, while the authority is advertising for staff to guide visitors around the windmill and associated roundhouses.
Local councillor Llinos Medi welcomed the decision and said both attractions are “vital to the local community”.
“The important thing is that the windmill, and indeed Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse, remain open as important visitor attractions on the island,” she said.
“This is excellent news and also ensures that the windmill’s cafe and shop continue to be run by local people, which also provides employment in the area.”
While there were once more than 30 working windmills on Anglesey, all had fallen into disrepair by the early 20th century.
Melin Llynnon was specifically earmarked for restoration due to it retaining much of its original machinery, albeit in a deteriorating condition. With work starting in 1978, the sails have been turning since 1984.
Beaumaris Town Council, meanwhile, presented a bid which could see it take over the gaol and courthouse, with discussions set to continue.
Town councillor Stan Zalot said: “It’s very good news indeed that they will reopen – seeing them closed would be a devastating blow for the town as we depend so much on tourism.
“We have some ideas on how they could be run better in the future, but the main thing is that they’re open for the public.”
An Anglesey council spokesperson said yesterday: “We’re working closely with interested parties to further explore outsourcing Melin Llynnon and Beaumaris Gaol and Court in the longer term.
“Negotiations are ongoing. Our learn- ing service is therefore proposing to open the attractions this season while negotiations with the interested parties continue.
“The council’s executive will be asked to endorse these proposals at its meeting on March 20.”