29th June 1967
REGRET AT DEMOLITION OF WINDMILL
A
Pontefract reader writes to ‘The Express’ saying he notes with regret
that K.U.D.C. is seeking to have the old windmill at Wentcliffe Hill,
Ferrybridge, demolished.
"I
agree," he acknowledges, "that the old millhouse is an eyesore
and a danger to children, and that it should be removed, but the old mill
is a prominent landmark for many miles around. It also provides a
fascinating contrast when seen against the huge cooling towers of the
Power Station - both in their time used as sources of power - and that is
the last remaining windmill in K.U District."
He
agrees that restoration would be too expensive, but suggests that by
bricking in the window openings and doorways, with a brick that contrasts
with the fine white limestone, the tower could be made
"child-proof" at very little cost.
This
method, he points out, has been used at Broomhill, (Batley) and
Conisborough, where windmills have been retained as interesting features
in the landscape; "and neither of these two is as fine a landmark as
that at Wentcliffe Hill."
The
writer ends: "So please Knottingley councillors, reconsider this
decision and for the small price of a few bricks ensure that children won’t
injure themselves and at the same time retain a fine landmark."
As
was reported in ‘The Express’ on June 15th, the Clerk to the Council,
Mr. H.B. Probert, told the members that the property did not belong to the
Council.The Express learns, however, that it is owned by Norman C. Ashton,
Ltd., the building firm, who have a housing scheme at Wentcliffe Hill. A
spokesman says it is intended to demolish the mill in about a year from
now to enable them to carry out their plans.
