THE owner of a windmill has been told to strip its bright paintwork, with a local complaining that the first miller would be “rolling in his grave” at the sight of it.
Richard Holt, 33, painted Melin Llynon – a 250-year old Grade-II listed windmill in Anglesey – for the week-long youth , Urdd Eisteddfod.
Richard Holt has been asked to strip the bright paintwork from the listed windmill Credit: SWNS
Melin Llynon is a 250-year old Grade-II listed windmill located in Anglesey Credit: SWNS
Richard had planned on repainting it once the youth festival was over but decided to keep the colour scheme – which mirrors a Welsh youth group’s mascot – after receiving a flood of positive comments.
Not all the locals approve however, including Dr Eiddwen Jones, 85, the great-great-great-great-granddaughter of Thomas Jones, first miller of Melin Llynon.
Thomas managed the property for 70 years in the village of Llanddeusant until he died in his nineties.
“He would have turned in his grave; he wouldn’t have liked it knowing the rest of the family and knowing what they like and dislike,” she said.
Richard repainted it to resemble the design of the Welsh youth group mascot Credit: SWNS
Hundreds of people have apparently expressed their support for the bold colour scheme Credit: SWNS
The council has maintained that objections to the new design are not about Welsh culture, rather, the protection of a listed building Credit: WNS
The new colour scheme has apparently attracted thousands of visitors Credit: SWNS
“The colours are vibrant, and I think that the mill should have been in a much nicer whitewash colour.”
“I’m quite happy for it to have been done over that particular period.
“But now is the time to change it back, and of course, as we know, it’s been done without permission of the .”
The yearly festival attracts around 15,000 people each year, aged eight to 25, and alternates between north and south Wales.
Richard said the windmill’s new colour scheme was intended to bring some joy and celebration to the island.
“Windmills, many, many years ago, back in the day, were always decorated to celebrate really important events,” he said, adding that he had not realised he’d needed permission to repaint it.
However, enthusiastic feedback from locals led him to keep the distinctive paintwork, which has apparently attracted thousands of visitors.
“The demand for it to remain these colours – the Welsh flag colours – was too much to ignore and that’s why it’s still as it is,” he said.
“The feedback we’ve had is that it’s made people feel proud to be Welsh.
“It’s brought colour to the attraction. It’s brought colour to people’s lives. It’s also made the windmill absolutely 100 per cent unique.”
Richard apologised to the council for not requesting permission – but said he did not believe he’d broken the law.
He has since launched a petition calling for the colours to remain.
Hundreds of people have apparently expressed their support for the bold colour scheme, with an opposing petition receiving just three signatures.
An Isle of Anglesey County Council spokesperson explained: “As a council, we fully recognise and support the importance of Welsh culture.
“However, Melin Llynon is a Grade II* listed building, which means it has special architectural and historic significance.
“It is legally protected, and the Council has a statutory duty to ensure there is compliance with The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023, which provides for the protection and sustainable management of listed buildings.”
They added that they have asked Richard to remove the paint using the “appropriate conservation method” and that the windmill is returned to a “breathable finish”.
“The matter remains under investigation, and we are continuing to work with the owner to resolve the situation appropriately,” they said.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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