VISITORS to the Norfolk Broads will no doubt be familiar with one of the area's more significant landmarks, the 160-year-old Potter Heigham tower wind-mill.

VISITORS to the Norfolk Broads will no doubt be familiar with one of the area's more significant landmarks, the 160-year-old Potter Heigham tower wind-mill.

The 65ft high Grade II- listed mill has been an imposing presence on the village scene since it was built for Simon Boyce by the Suffolk millwrights Martins in 1849.

The six-storey mill's four double-shuttered patent sails powered two pairs of French burr stones, a flour mill, jumper and sack hoist before being taken down in 1949. Since then, the mill has stood empty.

However, the years have caught up with the 19th century structure and the brickwork is showing signs of wear and tear, while the tin roof is starting to leak water at the edges.

The mill's condition has prompted Potter Heigham resident Keith Lowes to start an appeal on behalf of his mother-in-law Harriet Cox, who owns the mill, calling for donors to come forward to help raise �1,000 for the renovation work.

On Saturday, he visited the mill with a cherry picker to repair some of the red bricks near the roof, but he needs to raise more money to replace the roof.

He has sought funding from a number of grant- making organisations without any luck and hopes a conservation enthusiast will come forward to help preserve the historic building.

“It is a Grade II listed building and it deserves to be kept, but unless somebody does something about it it will deteriorate and will be lost. Once that happens, you can't get it back but there is only so much I can do,” Mr Lowes said.

Anyone who would like to donate to save the mill can do so by telephoning Mr Lowes on 01692 670083.