A major appeal for volunteers to help safeguard the future of a Shropshire landmark has been launched.

The Windmill Tower in Much Wenlock, part of a former flour mill, is thought to have been one of the first working buildings in the town and was used to provide a vantage point for residents watching the town’s first Olympian Games in 1850 – the forerunner of the modern event.

The Much Wenlock Windmill Trust was granted a 99-year lease by landowners Wenlock Estates eight years ago and took charge of rebuilding the top of the tower and repointing the brickwork.

But more volunteers are desperately needed on the committee that also looks after the structure and the land surrounding it.

It aims to reverse the tower’s decline and restore the landmark to its former glory. It is also in charge of maintenance, improving boundaries and controlling weeds on the seven-acre site.

The tower’s site has become popular for walking and picnics, exercising dogs and events connected with the Wenlock Festival.

However, access to the site could be restricted unless new members can be found for the committee to monitor work and safeguard the future of the site.

A public meeting will take place on Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Methodist Chapel School Room to gauge how much interest there is among residents in saving the open space and the tower structure.

A spokesman for the trust, which has just four members, said the land may have to be handed back to Wenlock Estates unless a solution can be found.

“If no-one wants to join the committee, I don’t know where we will go with this,” said former Much Wenlock mayor Dave Gibbon.

“The windmill is highlighted in the local parish plan as one of the top places in the town and everyone says how wonderful it is. But no-one seems to want to help,” he said.

“As long as the trust survives the people of Much Wenlock will have access to the land for leisure and recreation,” added Mr Gibbon.