Whitchurch Silk Mill could resume commercial weaving.

The Mill in Winchester Street stopped producing silk after 200 years in December 2011, because it was costing too much money.

But a statement released today by Claire Isbester, one of the Silk Mill directors, said they are looking to ensure that “weaving will resume at least for demonstration purpose, as soon as possible.”

It also added that the “feasibility of resuming commercial weaving” is being looked into.

Whitchurch borough councillor Keith Watts, who is chair of the Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust, met with Hampshire County Council officers and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council about grant funding for the Mill. A condition of the funding is that a review of the Mill is carried out.

Cllr Watts confirmed that a “rigorous assessment” will be held and the board of trustees will work with the councils and an independent consultant to prove that the Mill is worthy of continued financial support. A board of Whitchurch Silk Mill Trading Company has been appointed to look into the possibility of resuming commercial weaving.

Cllr Watts said: “We are really looking forward to the next few months at the Mill as we build a plan for the future. We will be involving the whole team there as well as the Friends of Whitchurch Silk Mill and have the active support of a very talented group of people, both on the board and in the background.

“Visitor numbers are increasing and the Mill urgently needs more volunteer tour guides to help people get the most out of their visit. All in all, the future is looking bright.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Julia Trinder at info@whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk.