ONE OF the New Forest's top tourist attractions could be given a new lease of life under a number of new measures aimed at safeguarding the nationally renowned attraction.

Eling Tide Mill is owned by New Forest District Council, which wants to secure the long-term future of the Grade II listed building.

Said to be the only one of its type in the UK, the 18th century mill was shut for several months last winter.

Now work has been carried out, councillors have agreed that an action plan be drawn up to make more of the attraction, with suggestions including using it as a restaurant.

A report to a meeting of the council's ruling Cabinet said repairs had now been carried out to various parts of the building. It said: "One aspect of the work yet to be commissioned is the replacement of the sea gates. These are a major construction and estimates suggest they will need additional funding to enable this to take place."

The report added that the council had discussed ways in which the mill might be operated in the future and encouraged the setting up of a partnership with other organisations and the introduction of the new management system to ensure the attraction's long-term future.

Brockenhurst councillor Maureen Holding claimed the mill was under-used and said a restaurant should be provided to give the site extra appeal.

She added: "It's a unique mill that's a fabulous asset, but we need more than a mill to attract visitors."

Councillor Barry Rickman, Cabinet member for leisure, said: "It's important that we recognise the national importance of the site."