ANGER is continuing to mount over the handling of the closure of an historic Dales attraction.

The North of England Civic Trust (NECT) confirmed last month that Gayle Mill in Wensleydale will not be opening for the 2018 season due to vital work needed on the 18th century building.

The voluntary group that has been operating it in recent years, the Gayle Mill Trust (GMT), claim that they have been shut out of discussions over the building’s future and now have to move all their equipment out of the premises by March 31.

The Friends of Gayle Mill also feel excluded from the building’s fate and in an open letter to the NECT they said they have received no information, nor been involved in any discussion over the mill’s closure.

They add: “We feel that you (the NECT) should be keeping us informed of your future plans for the mill.

“In particular, we are concerned about who or what organisation will be running the mill after 2019.

“Our remit is to “advance the promotion, appreciation support and improvement of Gayle Mill …” and it is difficult to see how we can do this while it is closed, and with uncertainty about its future.”

Upper Dales councillor John Blackie has tried to initiate meetings with NECT officials and relevant parties to get some clarity over the mill’s future.

He also posed a series of questions to NECT director, Graham Bell, amid concerns the mill could be converted into luxury flats or holiday lets.

Mr Bell responded by saying that due to ongoing legal processes, active until GMT vacates the building, the NECT has deliberately abstained from any public comment.

He added that this prevents the NECT from attending any meetings, public or otherwise, regarding Gayle Mill.

Cllr Blackie accused the NECT of being “cavalier and dismissive” and said the local community felt betrayed by their silence over the future of the much-loved mill.

He said: “I just think it is a despicable way of treating people who have given their valuable time to maintain and keep open this valuable asset.”

The Northern Echo contacted the NECT but received no response. In a public statement, the NECT said it expects the mill to re-open in Easter 2019 once the works are complete.