Museum group opposes mill ruin loss

Rother has received an application to remove the feature because it is becoming dangerous.

In a letter to Rother planning department, the group says: "We believe that the remains of Down Mill should be preserved in some form and we would support any moves to retain the structure for the interest and benefit of future generations.

"The mill is the last remaining mill site in the town, one of six which originally stood within the parish boundary.

"The remains of the mill may be in need of restoration, but we believe that all efforts should be made to preserve the site.

"The mill was also the subject of a painting by L.S.Lowry, completed in 1960, and figures on an engraving by Charles Graves dated 1897. It has been an important landmark in the town for over 200 years and a vital part of the social and economic life of the area'

"We understand that officers at Rother District Council have been in close contact with residents in the area over a period of time and would hope that some sort of report could be made available so that the wider community be made aware of the issues involved and for some solutions be found to the problems of maintaining the structure in an appropriate way."