Row over landmark water mill

Steven Jones says he wants to restore the mill

A landmark water mill is at the centre of a row over thousands of pounds worth of restoration work.

The owner of Sproughton Water Mill in Suffolk claims the local council is blocking his attempts to restore the building.

Steven Jones and his family bought the 180-year-old mill seven years ago.

But Babergh District Council carried out emergency works saying the mill was on the verge of collapse - and gave the owners the bill for £84,000.

We are pulling out all the stops and that's why we have done the website

Builder Steven Jones

"We're not high profile people - we are just normal people with a dream, "said Mr Jones.

"We want to restore a beautiful listed building and the situation the council has put us in is an amazing situation."

Mr Jones says the emergency works have spoiled the building.

He also claims the council is intent on blocking his own plans for the mill.

In a statement Babergh District Council said its key aim was to preserve the building.

It added the emergency works had been based on expert advice.