Public to have say on mill revamp plans

The Leigh Building Preservation Trust (LBPT), which is attempting to regenerate the Grade II listed Leigh Spinners Mill, is holding a public meeting tonight discuss its latest proposals.

The Trust was dealt a significant blow last year when its first bid for £5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund was turned down but has since restructured its bid.

The group is hosting the open evening to let residents see the ideas that will go into the fresh bid and listen to their views on the project.

LBPT chair Louise Barnes said: “Throughout the work that has been undertaken to redevelop the mill we’ve listened closely to what our local community thought should be included in the project.

“We’re at a stage now where we want to share our ideas with the public and hear what they have to say about them.

“We’re hoping that the people of Leigh will turn out to support us and have their say on what we are proposing.

“It’s important that the ultimate uses of the mill are what the town and its people want, as well as being sustainable for the future.

“By acting on the feedback we’ve had from the HLF, The Prince’s Regeneration Trust and from our local population we’ve designed a plan for the mills that answers the need for commercial activity to underpin the financial requirements.

“It also incorporates the community uses we’ve aspired to from the very beginning of this journey.”

The public meeting on the future of Leigh Spinners Mill is in the upper school hall at Bedford High School beginning at 6.30pm with a presentation at 6.45pm.