By Julie Waters
BALLYCOPELAND windmill is to reopen for ‘self-guided tours’ in a decision criticised as ‘falling short’ of what should be on offer at the historic site.
Last week the company running the Millisle tourist attraction closed the doors on the windmill and adjoining cafe after appeals for more money fell on deaf ears.
However, this week the Department for Communities (DfC) said the windmill will open several days a week to allow the public to take ‘self-guided tours’.
Ballycopeland Windmill and Ability cafe opened less than two years ago after a £1.7m refurbishment, the majority of which was paid for by the DfC and Ards and North Down Council.
However, staff were left reeling at the end of January when they were notified by senior officials at Ulster Supported Employment Limited (USEL), the organisation running the complex, that their jobs were ‘at risk’ due to a ‘funding shortfall’.
Hailed as a ‘haven’ for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents, the cafe employed people with a range of disabilities and health conditions.
Local community representatives and politicians have cautiously welcomed the DfC announcement that the site was to open sfor free self-guided tours.
A DfC spokesperson stated that officials were ‘currently considering various options for the long term operation of the site’ and in the meantime the heritage buildings, including the Windmill, will open each week from Thursday to Monday for free self-guided tours.
However with the cafe remaining closed and the heritage site unmanned, concerns have been raised that the partial opening ‘falls short’ of what should be offered at this historic site in the run up to the summer months.
Jo Scott, Millisle and District Community Association chairwoman said while it was a welcome announcement it ‘falls short’ and makes no mention of what will happen to the cafe.
“I understand that the department will be looking at options for the café and I think it is important that people, particularly the people of Millisle, are made aware of just what these options are and any decisions the department intends to make relating to the options presented,” she said.
“This would be the busiest period of the year for the Windmill and cafe and after such a huge investment, less than two years ago, it is extremely important that these facilities remain open.”
North Down assemblyman Stephen Dunne also called for progress on the future of Ballycopeland Windmill.
“Whilst we welcome the news that the Ballycopeland Windmill site will remain open for self-guided tours several days a week we need to see action to secure the long-term future of this historic site, including a cafe facility,” he said.
“It is welcome that the Department for Communities is currently considering various options for the site going forward and it is important that a new café facility is put in place to ensure this unique tourist attraction remains a central part of the local community.
“The Ballycopeland Windmill site is the finest surviving windmill in Northern Ireland, a historic location and a key visitor attraction for Millisle and the surrounding area and has been for many years. It is important that the future of this facility is secured for future generations to enjoy.”
A DfC spokeswoman said the department engaged with USEL to ascertain whether it would be possible for USEL to continue to operate the Ballycopeland site, including the Ability cafe, in the absence of a funding commitment. Unfortunately, this was not possible and the cafe closed at the end of March,” she said.
“The Department understands that staff employed by USEL at the windmill have either been offered redeployment or offered assistance into alternative employment.
“The department is looking at a number of options for the long-term operation of the site. From April 4, the heritage buildings, including the Windmill, will be open each week Thursday to Monday and there will be no charge to the public for self-guided tours.”
Ballycopeland Windmill attracted 19,000 visitors in its first seven months as a heritage site and is the only windmill in the world that uses the hooper roller reefing system to harness the power of the wind.
