I have been aware for some time that the future of Bancroft Mill Engine is under threat because of a ten-fold increase in the charges for 'Highways Drainage' by Water Plus, the successor company to United Utilities. I have looked at their web site and it is headed "Looking for a refreshingly personal approach to water?" I think that's exactly what is needed here.
The Bancroft Engine is, after a lot of hard voluntary work, the only asset left in the town directly connected with the textile industry which was our life-blood for a century. Anyone who follows my articles knows that this industry was the foundation of our late 19th century and 20th century development from a village to a thriving industrial centre. It provided the premises for our modern high-tech employers and nurtured a work force that could turn its hand to anything from anything from making beds to modern jet engines. This is very personal history and the story of our roots.
How many small towns can boast that they have a piece of heritage as potent as the Bancroft Engine in steam? It is an educational tool, a piece of living industrial sculpture and immediately captures the hearts of everyone who takes the trouble to go and see it. The situation now is that unless we do something about it we will certainly lose it within a couple of years and it will be abandoned to rot.
So, we have a problem! The immediate question is what do we do about it. I believe the answer lies in our own hands, the first obvious action is to support the Trust by visiting the engine, making a contribution by way of the entrance fee and perhaps even volunteering. Another route is to start shouting at our representatives on the council and in government. Imagine the impact of a flood of letters from voters.... this still carries weight especially when elections loom. I am doing my bit, I meet a representative of the Trust today (25th of August) and I shall do all I can, this article is the first shot in my broadside.
What really puzzles me is the attitude of Water Plus. They talk glibly about 'having discussions with the Trust', by this I suppose they mean they simply re-present the bill and threaten action if it isn't paid. I would assume that they have a Customer Relations department (you can access this on their web-site) and no doubt also have a large advertising budget. Can they not realise that the cost to their reputation far exceeds the small amount they will gain during the process of closing the Trust down? This is the natural consequence of their actions of course.
Be assured that I will be making these points personally to them and I hope that some of you will be stirred to look at their website and send them an email. This will take you five minutes and will be a positive blow in the Trust's defence.
A part of your town you can't afford to lose!