VITAL parts of one of York's most historic and distinctive landmarks have been lost, it was revealed today.

Holgate Windmill, which is the last surviving windmill in the city, was stripped of its fantail and struts for storage during the 1940s and 1950s - but council officials are now baffled as to their whereabouts and present condition.

City of York Council, which is responsible for its upkeep, confirmed it did not know where the pieces were or exactly when they were removed.

The structure was built in the early 1780s and is a Grade II listed building.

Members of the recently-formed Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, which hopes to restore the structure to its former glory, were saddened by the news.

Member Paul Hepworth, of Windmill Rise, said more care should have been taken with the records.

"It's a real shame," he said.

"Some of the missing parts will be easier to replace than others."

Society chairman Robert Hall said: "Obviously we have concerns about this and it's something we will be looking into."

Local historian Geoff Hodgson, who has written several books on Holgate, said: "If the fantail was found and restored it would be a great help to the society.

"The windmill is an important reminder of our history over the past 200 years."

A spokesman for City of York Council said: "This was an awfully long time ago and local government in York has gone through several guises since then.

"We can find no record that any pieces were taken down and stored by the old council, but we will continue to investigate the matter.

"However, it is important to realise that City of York Council is currently working enthusiastically with the preservation society to help maintain this historic site and to support any restoration works."

Keith Matthews, acting curator at York's Castle Museum, denied suggestions that the struts and fantail were stored there.

He told the Evening Press: "There's no evidence whatsoever to say that any of Holgate Windmill's parts were stored at the museum; we would be happy to see some.

"We're happy to offer advice to the society regarding the possible recreation of parts."

Updated: 10:59 Friday, January 04, 2002