Dutch windmills under threat, need more cash for repairs
Dutch wind and water mill owners face a shortfall of €5m a year to keep their historic properties in good shape, according to a report by the Dutch mill association De Hollandsche Molen.
The association asked 195 mill owners about their finances and how they run their mills. It concludes that mill owners need more expertise in terms of raising money and more volunteers.
In addition, mill owners need to do more to generate income from their mills, such as by opening shops selling regional specialities or renting out the property as a wedding location, the report suggests.
The shortage of cash is not just an issue for national government, spokesman Leo Endedijk told news agency ANP. ‘However, the government is very important when it comes to preserving our cultural heritage,’ he said.
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