Asset Inspection
Bellworth Mill chimney, Ruse
| Report reference | AER-2026-241 |
|---|---|
| Client | Bellworth Mill Trust |
| Site | Bellworth Mill, Ruse |
| Asset inspected | Free-standing brick chimney, approx. 34 m, octagonal, c. 1897 |
| Reason for inspection | Pre-works condition record ahead of grant application |
| Date of survey | 2 July 2026 |
| Surveyed by | A. Petrov, operator BGR-OP-4471 |
1. Executive summary
The chimney was inspected by unmanned aircraft on 2 July 2026. It is in fair to poor overall condition for its age and exposure. The structure appears stable, but the upper 6 m shows significant mortar loss and one displaced band.
9 findings were recorded: 1 S1, 2 S2, 4 S3, 1 S4, and 1 not assessable.
Principal recommendation. Secure or remove the displaced iron band at the 26 m level before the next high wind. It sits directly above a public footpath.
Areas not assessed. The internal flue was not inspected. The south-west face above 30 m was in deep shadow throughout the available window and is graded NA.
2. Scope
Visual inspection by unmanned aircraft of all four external faces of the chimney from base to cap, at a nominal stand-off of 8 m.
Not within scope: internal flue inspection, structural adequacy, materials testing, load assessment, compliance certification, cost of remedial works.
A worked finding, from later in the report
| Location | North-east face, 26 m, second band below the cap |
|---|---|
| Observation | Band displaced approximately 40 mm from the brick face over roughly a quarter of its circumference. Corrosion product visible at the fixing. Brickwork beneath is spalled. |
| If untreated | Failure of the band, with material falling onto the footpath 26 m below. |
| Recommendation | Secure or remove before the next period of high wind. Restrict access beneath in the interim. |
| Action taken | Trust notified by telephone at 09:20 on the day of survey. Footpath closed the same morning. |
| Evidence | AER-2026-241_F-01_ne-band.jpg |