THE OWNER of the Victorian waterwheel in Mill Road has reiterated her appeal for any help to enable essential repairs to be carried out to get the wheel running again, following a funding setback last week.

Beryl Holley said she had contacted the Okehampton United Non-Ecclesiastical Trust to ask for help but it was unable to offer any financial assistance.

The trust said it was very sympathetic but was unable to make a grant to help because the waterwheel was privately owned.

The old waterwheel stopped running a fortnight ago, and Beryl Holley has been told the necessary repairs will cost at least £3,000.

Beryl acquired the waterwheel and its associated structures when she bought the adjacent ground floor flat in 1987. At the time, the wheel was in a state of disrepair but at considerable personal cost she returned the wheel to working order.

Since 1991, the wheel has been kept running throughout the year and has become popular with visitors to Okehampton, particularly moor walkers.

Beryl said she was now seeking practical advice and help to carry out the essential repairs as well as safeguarding the future maintenance of the wheel. She was keen to hear from anyone who might have any ideas or suggestions of possible sources of funding, so the repairs could be carried out as soon as possible, bearing in mind the summer tourist season is now underway.

In addition to the necessary repairs, Beryl is hoping to get funding for regular service inspections, which would cost £100 per quarter and help prevent further large-scale repair works.

If you are able to help in any way, please contact the Times, who can put you in touch with Mrs Holley.