Chesterton Windmill: decision in respect of Open Days 2007.
Warwickshire County Council has reluctantly decided not to open Chesterton Windmill to the public this September.
During the event organised in partnership with the local community in 2006, an accident occurred when one of the main timbers supporting the sails failed whilst the mill was in operation, injuring one of the spectators. Thankfully the injuries were not nearly as severe as they might have been.
Subsequent investigation and review has led to a number of recommendations being made to ensure the safety of all involved in any future events, including the further development of corporate policy and procedures for events involving the public on County Council premises.
Arrangements are currently in hand for repairs to the Mill, and a programme of work will be undertaken by the County Council’s Property staff during the autumn.
The seventeenth century windmill is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I Listed Building, and is an iconic feature of Warwickshire’s rural landscape. It is in the guardianship of Warwickshire County Council. The maintenance of the mill in full working order has made it possible, weather permitting, to open it to the public, usually to coincide with the Heritage Open Days held each September.
It remains the County Council’s intention, resources permitting and subject to a thorough risk assessment, to make the mill accessible to the public in the future. However, as both the repairs to the mill following the damage caused in 2006, and implementation of the recommendations of the investigation are still in progress, the mill will not be opened to the public this year.