Buckfastleigh Town Council take a tour around the former spinning mill

Local members of Buckfastleigh Town Council had a tour around the former Axminster Carpets’ spinning mill on Wednesday 3 July with representatives of the site’s new owners Buckfast Abbey.

The Abbey has undertaken this ambitious project having bought the 9.24 acre site, running adjacent to its land, from administrators at the end of March.

Whilst the administrators are still clearing the site, consultants are working with the Abbey to draw up plans to transform the site although no firm decisions have been made.

Father James Courtney, the Abbey’s Bursar, said: “Whilst our plans are still in their initial stages, we want to make sure that we keep the local Town Council and other bodies updated about our plans as the local community plays such a big part in our lives and we support it as much as can. Ultimately, our aim is to bring in new employers in the hope of generating new jobs in the area.”

Councillor Denise Rudgley, Chairman of Buckfastleigh Town Council and Town Mayor commented: "The Town Council is delighted to be part of this wonderful opportunity and we look forward to our continued involvement in this exciting development. More importantly for our community, is the economic focus that this proposal potentially offers."

Consultation has already started with a number of bodies including Heart of the South West  Local Enterprise Partnership, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Teignbridge District  and Devon County Councils. These discussions will continue and develop along with the plans.