IDEAS on how to use a historic mill in Christchurch have been put on hold for another year.

Earlier this year Christchurch Borough Council sought expressions of interest from people interested in using the mill.

The Anglo-Saxon watermill, a Grade II listed building, is currently used as an art studio and gallery.

But the agreement for the current usage came to an end, with the council calling on community groups and individuals to come forward.

The ideas were supposed to go before September's community services committee, but failed to appear on the agenda.

Judith Plumley, head of community and leisure at Christchurch council, said: "The submissions received for the use of Place Mill were reviewed but councillors felt that we should seek a wider and broader range of interest.

"Consequently the project has been delayed for one year and will be re-advertised.

"Meanwhile, it was decided to offer the current operator another year in order to maintain continuity of an operation and public access to the Mill.

"No changes to the current operation will be made which would preclude any future options. When we come to revisit this next year previous applicants will be welcome to resubmit their Expression of Interest."

Place Mill as has medieval stonework and Tudor and eighteenth century brickwork, and was once used for cleaning and thickening cloth and grinding corn until 1908.

After that it was used as a boatshed for 70 years before being purchased by the council and restored in 1981.

It is unique because it takes water from one river, the Avon, and spills it into a second river, the Stour.

Because the millstream provides the water power to move the water wheel, the building frequently floods during the winter months.