A historic windmill could close after the charity renovating it ran out of money.

For the last 22 years Shipley Windmill, which was made famous in the BBC TV series Jonathan Creek, has been cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers.

But the Shipley Windmill Charitable Trust and the Friends of Shipley Windmill have learned that the building's landlord will not be renewing the lease on the Grade II listed building.

The lease does not run out for another three years but unless it is extended, the trust is not able to get grants for urgent repairs from bodies such as English Heritage and the National Lottery without a longer lease.

The windmill, near Horsham, opens its doors for what may be its last season on April 5.

But with the expensive public liability insurance due to be renewed in July and repairs still to do on the building, it may have to be handed back to the freeholder this summer because the trust cannot afford to keep it open.

The building needs various repairs and repainting and all four of its sweeps need completely rebuilding.

Because this is expected to be the last season the windmill is open, the trustees have decided that they will not charge for admission.

Jim Woodward-Nutt, the trust's chairman, said it was vital that its future was assured for future generations to be able to view and to visit.

Philip Baxter, the secretary of the Friends, said: “It would be such a shame to see it close.

“It's a very interesting working heritage site which, when it is running, works perfectly and grinds flour.

“But it is expensive to maintain and takes many hours of volunteers' time to keep it going.”

The windmill will be open to the public on the first, second and third Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from April 5 to July 19.

Its opening hours are from 2pm to 5pm.

As well as being the home of television sleuth Jonathan Creek, the windmill has also appeared on several other programmes, including The Wimbledon Poisoner.

For more information on the windmill visit www.shipleywindmill.org.uk.