OFFICERS have vowed to protect an historic Mill after part of it was damaged by workers installing new pylons.

Bradford Council is continuing to work with archaeologists from The West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS) and Northern Powergrid after staff from the electricity company disrupted stones from a section of the derelict Buck Mill site, in Buck Wood, Thackley.

The old mill is believed to date back centuries, but has long since fallen out of use and only a few sections remain.

The mess was discovered by the community who were left disappointed after huge stones, which used to form part of the abandoned mill, had been damaged and moved to make way for Northern Powergrid’s plant machinery.

Much of the Mill’s structure was underneath overgrown vegetation in the wood and contractors are believed to have disrupted it when they passed through a narrow walkway, described as only wide enough for people to walk through single-file.

An archaeologist visited the site last week, and Bradford Council say they are putting plans in place to stop any further damage happening.

A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “Council officers visited Buck Mill last week with an archaeologist who has advised there has been no disturbance to the significant archaeological features on the site.

“A small section of a more recent wall has been moved but the important 13th century ruins remain untouched.

“Buck Mill isn’t a listed or registered site, largely because mills of this type are well represented elsewhere. However, we recognise the remains are important to the community so we are carrying out the necessary measures to protect the site from any further disturbance during the works.

"The power pylons near this site have now been replaced but continued restricted access will be required to complete the works.

"Following advice from the archaeologist, some additional protection is being installed which allows Northern Powergrid to carefully move materials and equipment across the site to install pylons on adjoining properties.”

Dr Christine Alvin, leader of the Friends of Buck Wood group until it disbanded in 2016, believes the disruption may give those who care about the Mill a chance to study its history and look at taking action to restore parts of it.

She said: "I've had e-mails from the Archaeologist explaining the situation and how it affects the site.

"I think it has perhaps given us the opportunity to re-think what might be done about the Mill and what can be done to have a look at the early part of the site, because the later part isn't really acceptable now with the digging and damage.

"We want to find out about the early part of the Mill and find out about getting some funding to bring in an archaeologist.

"This has given us an idea about further work or study about the Mill site."