A 200-YEAR-OLD windmill will be given a new wooden wind shaft this week and reopen to the public next month.

Bursledon Windmill closed in August for repairs and the craning of its new wind shaft will take place on Thursday.

It comes after the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust gained a £94,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant for repairs when the mill’s sails and stocks were removed two years ago.

Now it has had a revamp, with the 16th century Chineham Barn becoming a visitor’s centre, a redecorated 18th century Hiltingbury Granary, and updated facilities at the pond, woodland walking area and lawn.

The wind shaft is the main supporting shaft to which the sails are attached, driving all the mill’s machinery. The mill should reopen on Sunday, November 2.