PEOPLE across the area are being urged to have their say on the future of two iconic Bodmin Moor engine houses following their transfer to a Cornish heritage charity.

Cornwall Heritage Trust is asking residents to share their memories, ideas and suggestions as it considers the next chapter for the Prince of Wales Engine House and Houseman’s Engine House, formerly home to the Minions Heritage Centre.

The Grade II Listed buildings were transferred to the independent charity by Cornwall Council earlier this year, placing their future in the hands of an organisation dedicated to protecting Cornwall's historic sites.

Now the trust wants the local community to help decide what happens next.

A special consultation event will take place on Wednesday, November 25, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Church Hall beside St Paul’s Church in Upton Cross.

Both members of the public and Cornwall Heritage Trust members are invited to attend and contribute ideas about how the buildings could be used, interpreted and developed in the years ahead.

Carolyn Kennett, Sites Manager at Cornwall Heritage Trust, said the community would play an important role in shaping the future of the historic properties.

She said: “We know how much the local community values these historic buildings and want to ensure they are at the heart of their next chapter. We hugely value your time and input, and we look forward to welcoming you to be part of the conversation about their future.”

The charity is particularly keen to hear from people with personal memories of the buildings and their surroundings, as well as anyone with historic photographs or documents that could help tell their story.

The consultation is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and forms part of the trust’s wider plans for protecting Bodmin Moor's rich industrial and archaeological heritage.

The charity already looks after several significant historic sites in the area, including the Hurlers Stone Circles, King Doniert's Stone, Trethevy Quoit and St Cleer Holy Well and Cross.

Its work aims to safeguard these important landmarks, celebrate their history and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from them.

The acquisition of the two engine houses represents an important addition to that work, with the trust hoping to build on their historic significance while finding ways to make them relevant and accessible to the community.

The consultation provides an opportunity for local people to influence those plans rather than simply being informed of decisions further down the line.

The trust is keen to ensure the buildings remain part of the area’s identity and that local knowledge helps guide their future.

As an independent charity, Cornwall Heritage Trust receives no regular government funding and relies on the generosity of members, donors and supporters to protect Cornwall's heritage and keep its sites free for everyone to enjoy.

Anyone interested in attending the consultation can find further information at www.cornwallheritagetrust.org.