A GORNAL windmill has re-opened following a £39,000 refurbishment.

Last year the Ruiton Windmill in Vale Street scooped £39,650.91 from the Landfill Communities Fund through the Waste Recycling Environmental Fund (WREN) to renovate the building.

The money was spent on a new kitchen and a courtyard entrance which allows for better access for the public, ensuring the building will continue to be used by many community groups including the local scouts.

The imposing grade II listed building, which offers picturesque views across the Midlands, was officially re-opened by Dudley North MP Ian Austin on Saturday.

As well as completing the opening honours, the MP also unveiled a special plaque honouring the former mill committee secretary John Richards, a visiting lecturer at Dudley College, who died suddenly in August 2007 at the wheel of his car.

John played a key role in securing the cash for the windmill’s regeneration and was described as being the project’s “machinery” by chairman Councillor Ken Finch.

Speaking about the re-opening, Mr Austin said: “I am delighted to be officially re-opening the Gornal windmill, having been involved in the campaign to secure the funding for this project I know how much it mean to local people.”

He added: “The windmill is a unique landmark and is a recognisable piece of local history to people throughout the Black Country.”

Unveiling the plaque to Mr Richards, the MP said: “It means a great deal to me personally to be unveiling the plaque in memory of John Richards.

He added: “He was a good friend of mine and the work John did to secure the funds for this project was amazing and there is no more fitting a tribute to have a plaque in his honour in a room that will be used by the community.”