THE brine pump at Murgatroyd’s salt works will open for the first time in 39 years as part of a Heritage Open Day next month.

The site is undergoing renovation having been closed since 1977, but will re-open to visitors on the weekend of September 8 to 11 as part of the town council’s ‘Revealing Murgatroyd’s’ event.

Volunteers and the Middlewich Heritage Trust will be present to answer questions alongside a fascinating exhibition of materials from the town’s salt-making history.

Kerry Fletcher, heritage officer for Middlewich Town Council said: “The pump is the only intact one of its kind in the UK and is now being restored by Middlewich Heritage Trust.

“Thanks to just over £90,000 of funding from Historic England with further contributions from Cheshire East Council and Middlewich Town Council, this historic scheduled monument can now begin its life as an educational and visitor resource.”

The site will be open between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11, with pre-booked guided tours between 1pm and 3pm. To book contact Kerry on 01606 833434.

Middlewich Community Church will be helping out with parking on the day. Visit saltscape.co.uk to find out more.