A HISTORIC council building is being used to help clear a long list of backlogged weddings following the coronavirus pandemic.

Rayleigh’s historic windmill in Bellingham Lane, owned by Rochford Council, is filled with artefacts, illustrating the part that the mill has played in the economy of the town, for well over a century.

The windmill is now also licensed as a venue for civic wedding ceremonies, and has hosted several sp far this year.

Wickford and Rayleigh MP Mark Francois, his visit, who previously helped secure grant funding to refurbish the windmill, visited the site last week.

He said: said: “I would like to congratulate Rochford District Council and especially their highly-dedicated team of volunteers, for keeping the windmill in tip-top condition, for the benefit of all our community.

“They now also provide a lovely venue, for couples who don’t require a large audience, to tie the knot in a beautiful historic setting. The windmill is an iconic building in Rayleigh, and it is wonderful to now see it re-opened and being put to such good use.”