Brackendale Mill Complex a hidden treasure

When the developers of Brackendale Mills started work on the old mills I thought they may have missed an opportunity to add to their green credentials. Although it has been a major on going story in the Trumpit for some considerable time now, about what was going to happen to the site. One of the major attractions of living in Brackendale is the duck pond, which for years has given pleasure to the local community. I heard recently that the ghastly chain link fence has been removed and access restored. It is an idyllic spot. To just sit on the grass and watch the world and the ducks go by or as I did as a kid play football on the grass near the lane. If we go even further back in time and ask ourselves why is the mill pond there in the first place? It is there for one of two reasons. To provide power to the mill or provide fresh water for washing raw wool. The depth of the pond was or is regulated by a weir in the north west corner. This water ran down a stone goit to a more recent concrete tank and from there into the mill complex. I have found out more recently that there is also valve gear situated along the north side of the dam. This valve gear would be used to either empty the pond or direct water into the mill to be used as required. This my friends is the hidden treasure. There is a difference in height from the duck pond to the railway at the bottom of approx 10.0m. This hydraulic head could be used to power a generator. There are other factors to be taken into account, mainly how much water runs through the pond at any one time. There will be more in winter as the rain runs straight off the land whereas in summer a large amount of water is taken up by vegetation. If the weir was raised and the pond dredged to create more capacity a simple system could be put in place to harvest this potential energy, with no ill effects on the fauna, flora and the aesthetic appeal of our beloved duck pond. I believe there is people looking for ideas for things to do around the village, this would be ideal for a company to take on or as a village money raiser. It is only an idea and would require some further research. If anyone knows anything about the mill water works I would be pleased to hear from them