This restored and working water mill is off the main A49 Tarporley to Whitchurch Road, near Bunbury village church, Cheshire. Its was first mentioned in 1290, recorded in a survey of 1775, and rebuilt around 1850. It worked commercially until 1960 when a massive flood ended its working life. After years of decay, it was fully restored by United Utilities in 1977.
Every five years the water industry regulator Ofwat sets the prices United Utilities can charge customers for the services provided. For us to meet these expectations, we have to make a number of substantial cost efficiencies. This is exacerbated by the ongoing cost pressures brought about by the continuing fragility of the UK economy.
We have looked very carefully at what we consider to be core business activity and have concluded that running Bunbury Mill is not core to our role of ensuring the provision of reliable, safe drinking water supplies and returning that water, once used, safely back to the environment. As a result the mill is now closed until further notice.
It remains our wish that we find someone or an organisation that is willing to take on the responsibility of the mill. We are in active discussions with village residents to see whether there is any possibility that the community may take ownership of the mill.
For more information contact:
Jackie Stoddart
Jacqueline.Stoddart@uuplc.co.uk
Telephone: 01925 464601