Attractions guaranteed another year
THREE tourist attractions will remain open for another year despite their futures being far from certain.
Anglesey Council has confirmed that Melin Llynnon windmill and Beaumaris’ courthouse and gaol will reopen to visitors on Saturday, despite their long-term futures remaining unclear.
In 2016, the authority said it could no longer afford to keep the attractions open to the public, seeking outside bodies to take over their running.
A deal with Beaumaris Town Council to take over the town’s twin attractions was agreed in principle, but has yet to be formally completed.
However, no suitable public groups have come forward to take on Melin Llynnon in Llanddeusant, which was one of 30 working windmills on the island at one time but is now the only one left in Wales.
A spokesman for the county council confirmed today that it will keep the sails turning for another year, while continuing to operate the gaol and courthouse in partnership with Beaumaris Town Council.
Annest Rowlands, who runs the windmill’s independentlyrun on-site cafe, says the news is a “big boost” for tourism on the island.
“The biggest pull is when the sails are turning, which tends to bring many more visitors in,” she said.
“Its brilliant news that the council has agreed to maintain and open Melin Llynnon for another year.
“We’re very thankful the coun- cil’s reached this decision.
“It’s quite a relief for us, but we remain hopeful of a longer term solution going forward.”
A spokesman for Anglesey council said: “The county council has been working in partnership with Beaumaris Town Council to ensure that the gaol and courthouse open this season.
“We’re pleased that both heritage sites have been open since Saturday, March 24.
“We also continue to work towards a final transfer of both these sites to the town council.
“The county council is still actively seeking to out-source the Llynnon site in Llanddeusant. This has not yet been achieved, but we have committed to opening this heritage site this season.”