The owners of an historic 17th century Suffolk tide mill have applied for permission to carry out dredging to ensure the landmark water mill can continue operating smoothly.

The Tide Mill on the river Deben near Woodbridge has sought permission from Woodbridge Town Council to carry out the work to prevent sand blocking the mill's outflow and preventing water from leaving.

The dredging is due to take place in April at a cost of between £5,000 and £6,000.

Concerns had been raised the mill, one of only two in the UK with an operating water wheel, would have to switch to being powered by an electric motor due to becoming silted up. 

But the mill's chair John Carrington told the EADT in December there was no imminent risk the mill would stop working, but that if no dredging took place and the silting was allowed to continue unchecked, the operation of the mill would eventually be affected.

The mill is still able to produce flour.