Councillors’ anger over trouble at mill
HESSLE AREA HAS SEEN ANTISOCIAL ACTIVITY
AUTHORITIES have called for anyone with information on the smashing of lights at a recently restored historic Hessle mill to come forward.
The bollard lights at the 200-yearold Hessle Black Mill, which was refurbished at a cost of almost £1m, were smashed in October and December before it could reopen.
An East Riding Council spokesperson said they were looking at their options for the future of the lights, but warned existing budgets may not cover their replacement.
Meanwhile, a Humberside Police spokesperson said they had opened an investigation into criminal damage after receiving reports of the vandalism on Thursday, December 17.
It comes after Hessle ward councillors David Nolan and Phil Davison spoke of their anger at the vandalism which took place near the Humber Bridge Country Park.
Cllr Davison said the area was a known trouble spot for antisocial behaviour, adding he was concerned vandals could target the mill again.
The council spokesperson said: “Unfortunately we have experienced vandalism at the mill in the past few months.
“Following the completion of the restoration project and the creation of the new Chalk Walk Trail, the bollard lights, installed as part of the project, have been destroyed, having been damaged on two separate occasions in October and December.
“We may not be able to replace the lights, as we do not have budgets to do so, we are examining options at the moment.
“This is clearly very disappointing and frustrating, and we would urge anybody with any information to contact Humberside Police.
“The restored mill remains closed at the moment, because of coronavirus restrictions, but we look forward to opening it to the public as soon as we are able to do so.”
Both the council and force spokespeople said anyone with information should contact Humberside Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 16/127234/20.
Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.