THE first consultation event to discuss a project to restore and regenerate the Leigh Spinners Mill was a huge success, say organisers.

More than 140 people attended the event, organised by the Leigh Building Preservation Trust, to voice their thoughts on what facilities they would like to see in the iconic grade II listed building.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first potential heritage exhibit for the mill, which has been home to Leigh Spinners Ltd for more than 100 years.

Trevor Barton, chairman of the trust, said: “We asked Leythers to turn out and show their backing for this project and, of course, we weren’t disappointed.

“Every person who signed in on the night viewed the displays and added their voice to the proposals for the mill, which strengthens the case for the funding bids to regenerate this amazing building.

“The generous donation of an artefact that many Leythers will recognise with affection – the bicycle owned by much missed local personality Jesse the Cropper Graham – will be the beginning of a local heritage collection which we hope to one day see displayed in the mill.

“We also hoped to hear from the community what else they want to see incorporated into the remaining 360,000sq ft the mill has to offer.”

Possible ideas including a performance and rehearsal space, a heritage centre, climbing wall, café and children’s/youth facilities were suggested.

To show your support, join the Facebook page Friends of Leigh Spinner.