WORK is underway to restore the last working windmill in Wales, where a chocolate factory and doughnut shop are now based.

Top chef Richard Holt purchased the Melin Llynon site, at Llanddeusant, which was formerly run as an Anglesey County Council visitor attraction, in 2019.

The windmill, which is on a four-and-a half-acre site, was originally built in 1777 and is the last working flour mill in Wales.

And at last, work has now got off the ground to get the windmill back up and running again.

A post on Melin Llynon’s Facebook page read: “It’s been over three years since we discovered the windmill is unsafe to use… we are absolutely delighted to announce that restoration work has now begun.

“To be fair, it’s been a crazy three years around the world!

“We will hopefully be able to bring you regular updates and a close-up look at the work being done over the next few months!

“After all, this should be the last time the mill needs this level of work for decades.

“Needless to say, there will be no access to the windmill for the foreseeable future. Please refrain from jumping over any closed gates or walking past ‘no entry’ signs, too… yes, we catch it all on CCTV!”

Richard, who used to run a tea room at Melin Llynon, started a new venture two years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic and invested in a chocolate-making machinery to ensure the survival of his business.

A total of five staff members from the tea room were re-trained to protect their jobs, and he now runs a chocolate factory and doughnut shop at the site.