The chief executive of a Laxey based mining company has explained why his company has decided to refurbish the Groudle Glen water wheel.

Martin Vorster, managing director of MMD GPHC Ltd, said that the ’substantial historical significance’ of the wheel convinced the company that it was a project it could use its expertise to help with.

It was announced last week that the company would complete the work to prevent the wheel, which has been falling apart, from rotting away.

In a statement, the company confirmed that local island-based contractors and specialists have been engaged for demolition work and to rebuild the wheel.

The work is scheduled for the summer to minimise impact and disruption to the river.

While that is carried out, the wheel will be sent to be repaired by MMD’s gearbox and manufacturing specialists in Derbyshire.

Mr Vorster said: ’We are very grateful for the opportunity to work on this restoration project. We hope efforts to save such an iconic and well-known feature of the glen will encourage other island-based companies to appreciate the rich heritage and history we have on our doorstep, and which we so often take for granted.

’We really hope this restoration project will not only benefit the wider community but also ensure that another small part of our history remains on display for generations to come.’

The company plans to have a reopening of the wheel when it is completed including the unveiling of a small commemorative plaque stating the date of restoration.