‘Will mills be in use again now we’re out of Europe?’
Call to bring manufacturing back into redundant buildings
A CALL has been made to bring manufacturing back into redundant Staffordshire Moorlands mills.
At last week’s meeting of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s service delivery overview and scrutiny panel, a question regarding the future of the vacant mills was put to members by Councillor Linda Malyon.
She said: “Will the mills be used again now we are out of Europe as taxes may change on imports, and what is the council doing to look into this?”
In a written reply, council leader Sybil Ralphs said: “The district already has higher levels of manufacturing than national levels, and we continue to support businesses of this nature to grow and thrive in our district.
“Our local plan sets out requirements for future business accommodation, and we continue to monitor take-up and refresh assessment on need.
“We have also already been lobbying for the Shared Prosperity Fund (the UK replacement for EU funding streams) to support rural manufacturing and growth projects.
“However, it is not a given that Brexit will necessarily increase home-grown manufacturing across all sectors, primarily because tax on exports may reduce market demand, and many UK manufactured products may require raw materials or parts which are imported.
“The trends in manufacturing growth will be monitored alongside partners in Staffordshire and LEP. It should also be noted that even if there is a boost to Uk-based manufacturing, the accommodation needs of these businesses are unlikely to include a significant demand for new employment uses of Victorian Mill buildings, as most businesses are looking for modern, low maintenance, energy efficient properties.
“Officers are currently preparing a paper for committees regarding our approach to mill buildings, which will be presented to committee shortly.”
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Malyon said that we should be selfsufficient.
She said: “We should bring more manufacturing back to this country, like textiles.
“There are sites available in the towns and also at Boltons in Froghall and the former Fold Dairy site near Checkley.”
In reply, Councillor Ralphs said: “Leek was a thriving and bustling town when all the mills were open. Now more services have moved in. Manufacturing may never return.
“I have asked for a report on the mills that are redundant. I would like to see them used as starter units.
“A lot of skilled people have lost their jobs, now they could start their own business.
“This is an opportunity we need to seize. Mills can be converted with a reasonable rent.
“One mill has been sold at a high price. Mills have a future and we will wait for the report in about two to three weeks time.”