City of York Council's Holgate Ward Committee has agreed to spend £1,000 backing a project to give more public information about the city's only windmill.

Residents on the committee have voted to give the money towards a display notice board at the Holgate Windmill informing local residents of the history and workings of the listed building at Windmill Rise.

The ward committee also funded £200 towards the 'start-up' costs of the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, which held its inaugural AGM in November. The aim of the group is to restore and preserve the windmill for the historic, cultural and educational needs of the local area.

Robert Hall, chair of the new society, said, "We are delighted that the ward committee is backing this project which is to help preserve and enhance the city's only surviving windmill."

Councillor Bob Scrase, the council's executive member for community safety and local affairs, said, "The council has made sure that ward committees have money to spend on the things people want locally. This is an example of one of the excellent schemes suggested and supported by residents throughout the city, bringing people together to work on a voluntary project and creating opportunities for people to find solutions to local issues.

"I want to congratulate residents attending the ward committee for seeking to help preserve what is obviously a very cherished part of local history."

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