The future of a Somerset Levels landmark looks grim if any more big bills come up.

The 18th century Ashton Windmill at Chapel Allerton, near Wedmore, is the only one in the county to keep all its internal working machinery and draws thousands of sightseers a year.

But costly repairs on a storm-damaged sail have drained money set aside for the windmill – meaning reserves could not afford another costly repair bill.

A couple of ways forward were discussed by executive councillors at Sedgemoor District Council as the Cheddar Valley Gazette went to press yesterday.

Museums officer Jessica Vale laid out four choices:

Continue with grant funding as normal. However, this was unlikely to cover any big repair bills;

Set up an independent trust capable of attracting Gift Aid, grants and rolling over funds year on year – something that does not happen at the moment;

To become a trust like above but in partnership with organisations like English Heritage or Somerset County Council;

The creation of a trust grant-funded by Sedgemoor. However, grant cuts in recent years may put volunteers off and the council remain "owners of last resort".

The windmill has plenty of support from the Custodians of Ashton Windmill, which number more than 40 people from families in nearby villages.

They have opened the windmill to the public on an annual basis, from Easter to September, for 30 years.

But Steve Reading, chairman of the custodians, said: "The committee's view is we are not interested in becoming a trust.

"The risk is that funding can be withdrawn, that's the trouble. We feel it's one thing to get grant paid but the next year it's cut or reduced to half.

"The committee's view is to carry on as we are but not get involved in the funding of it."

The iconic windmill is used in promotional tourist literature by Sedgemoor and more recently by the No Moor Pylons campaign group, who fear the grassy surrounds and views would be spoilt by marching pylons.

The windmill's original savings came when surrounding field was sold by the council 10 years ago and money put into the reserve fund.

But last year's sail repair cost £30,000, though grant aid came from the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings.

The landmark is Grade-II listed and thought to sit on the site of a former windmill. It was rescued from dereliction in the 1960s and given to Sedgemoor by Bristol City Council.

Museums officer Jessica Vale said in a report to Sedgemoor: "Currently over 1,000 people visit the windmill during the summer opening hours. It is a source of inspiration to artists and the area around has seats where many people come to picnic and enjoy the views.

"General advice from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council about the transfer of local authority historic site management to trusts would suggest that the windmill is too small as a unit to operate independently, such as a small trust, as it is in a rural site and has almost no space for income – no shop or tea room."

Visitors to the windmill dipped in 2007 and 2008 but bounced back last year with 1,063.

It is thought 40 per cent – 135 of the above figure – come from outside the area. The rest come from Somerset, North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset.

Sedgemoor's executive committee were expected to either choose from one of the options or refer it to full council or a different committee.

What option would you choose to secure the future of Ashton Windmill? Email editor@midsomnews.co.uk.