A DALES councillor is calling for more transparency over the closure of the Gayle Mill attraction.

The Gayle and Hawes community were shocked to learn in early January that the voluntary group that runs the popular attraction - the Gayle Mill Trust (GMT)- were told to vacate the premises by the building’s owners - the North of England Civic Trust (NECT).

The NECT says that the year-long closure is necessary to allow reparations to the 18th century mill, but the GMT claims that communication over the situation has been poor.

Upper Dales councillor John Blackie has stepped in and written to the NECT to try and help resolve what he described as a “stand-off” between the two charities.

He has called for NECT officials and a representative of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to meet with GMT members so that the ill-feeling can be resolved.

Cllr Blackie also called for more clarity over why the GMT has to leave the building whilst work is ongoing, pointing out that a regular presence at the site could help preservation efforts.

Cllr Blackie added: “What we have not seen is any clear and unequivocal statement made by the NECT that the Gayle Mill Trust will be offered the opportunity to return to Gayle Mill after the building works have been completed.

“The trustees and their determined band of volunteers have worked very hard to build a small and successful deeply rural enterprise at the mill which provides some excellent local products, supports some local employment, and provides revenue which in part they have used to pay the rent the NECT charges.”

In a statement, the NECT explained that the building has to be empty for the work.

They said: NECT can only proceed with engineering surveys and investigative works once GMT vacates the mill.

If GMT does so as it has stated at the end of March 2018, NECT can begin the process of surveys, apply for a range of consents and tender for the works.

“The mill therefore will need to be closed during 2018 but will re-open by Easter 2019 having benefitted from the fourth phase of investment and improvements by NECT – a commitment that began in November 1996.”

The Gayle Mill situation will be discussed at an open meeting of Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council on Monday, February 19 at 7.15 pm at Gayle Institute and interested parties have been invited.