IT has stood at the centre of Sussex for 160 years, an imposing landmark on the edge of the Downs and, justifiably, the pride of the village.

But Chailey Windmill now stands at the centre of a dispute which is thought to have sparked a mass walk-out from the parish council.

A disagreement over the future ownership of the windmill appears to be behind half the parish council deciding not to stand in this week's local elections and the resignation of the parish council clerk.

For years the windmill lay forgotten, a rotting piece of history on the edge of the A272.

Then two years ago, thanks to the careful guardianship of the parish council and a £43,000 lottery grant, the Grade II listed building was restored to its former glory.

The dispute dates back to a lease signed by the parish council in 1986 which handed responsibility for the windmill to the parish council for 99 years.

Since then the site has been resold and now its new owner, property developer Tristmire Ltd, wants the windmill back. It is using a clause in the original contract which allows for the return of the windmill within a six-month period.

It is not clear why the company wants the windmill back, and nobody from the firm was available to comment.

Some councillors are understood to be unhappy about the arrangement.

Clerk Janice West was reluctant to go into details as to why she decided to resign after seven years' service, but did hint that all was not well on the council.

She said: "I have given in my notice because the parish council is supposed to work as one. I found I could not continue under those circumstances.

"There's one aim of the parish council - to save the windmill. But some people are doing their own thing. The council is not working together."

Mrs West confirmed five councillors out of a total of 11 would not be standing for re-election, including chairman Graham Johnson.

One councillor, who did not wish to be named, said lack of information about the lease was behind the walk-out.

The councillor, who did not want to be named, added: "Information was not forthcoming. Questions are being asked."

Parish chairman Graham Johnson insisted his resignation was for purely personal reasons and had nothing to do with the windmill.

He said two councillors had decided not to stand because they wished to pursue business projects while two others had simply forgotten to put their names forward.

He added: "It's purely coincidental. I've decided to stand down because I want to wind down a bit. I think I have done my fair share. I probably will miss it but I can always stand on the sidelines and heckle."

Although there had been strong debate within the council concerning the windmill, he said there had not been a dispute as such.

Coun Johnson added: "The parish council were aware of this clause. It was there in black and white. It's the sort of clause you would find in any lease.

"The windmill is a landmark which the parish council have rescued from dereliction. It means a lot to the village and we want to make sure it is looked after properly."

The next meeting of the parish council will take place in the Parish Hall on May 18 at 7.30pm.

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