(Photo courtesy of Annie Price)

The Whitburn Windmill, a grade 2 listed building was built in 1790 to 1796,

It has been surrounded by Heras fencing for months as a solution to repairing the sails has been explored. It was last restored in 1991.

Today, I spoke to our Whitburn councillors. They confirmed that the cost of again restoring Whitburn Windmill to its former glory is beyond what South Tyneside Council can presently afford. Their intention is to make the building safe by removing the sails—a decision that would obliterate the iconic image of this cherished landmark. This windmill has stood as a symbol of our community’s history and identity for generations. Removing the sails would not only compromise its aesthetic appeal but also erase a piece of our shared heritage.

Whitburn Windmill is more than just a structure; it is one of the oldest windmills in the North East and is a testament to the industrious spirit and engineering feats of our ancestors. It vividly narrates the story of Whitburn’s past through its craftsmanship and enduring presence. However, the growing threat of irreversible damage due to neglect looms large. Without intervention, we risk losing an irreplaceable local treasure that connects us to our roots and offers educational value to future generations.

There is a viable path forward. By rallying community support and seeking external funding from the National Lottery Heritage fund, we can raise the necessary resources to restore the windmill, ensuring it remains a beacon of history and culture for Whitburn and beyond. 

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings Mill Repair Fund and the Heritage at Risk Capital Fund (HARCF) are also potential sources of funding. Additionally, we can engage with heritage organisations passionate about preserving such iconic structures, welcoming their expertise and collaboration.

I have today reached out to South Tyneside Council offering to submit an Expression of Interest to the National Lottery. By working in partnership with the council and other interested parties we can make a difference to the future of the windmill.

Restoring the windmill requires community support and involvement. The level of community engagement will be a critical factor in ensuring a successful funding application.

By signing this petition, you lend your voice to a cause that aims to preserve not just a windmill, but a tangible piece of our history. Let us unite in this effort to restore Whitburn Windmill’s glory, ensuring it remains an emblem of our community’s legacy for generations to come. Please sign and share this petition widely so that we can gather enough support to present our case to the relevant funding authorities and heritage organisations. Together, we can protect this beloved landmark from losing its iconic structure.