The historic Hartlebury Castle, near Kidderminster, could be sold on the open market leaving the future of the 1,110-year-old site under threat.

A deal offering the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust (HCPT) an exclusive option to buy from the Church of England has been called off with members saying the asking price and conditions attached to the option were “unrealistic”.

Now the site will be put on the open market in two years’ time – and the HCPT needs to come up with £2.5million to successfully bid to buy it and carry out essential works.

Chairman of the trust Sue Beeson today gave a rallying call to people in the Wyre Forest and across Worcestershire to support their bid.

“If they don’t, then it is almost certain the castle will be sold to a commercial or private buyer and lost to the public for ever,” she warned.

“The challenge facing us is monumental but do-able if we can capitalise our support and mobilise the community.”

She said the Church Commissioners had agreed to keep the site off the market for two years in a “generous” attempt to allow the HCPT to raise cash to compete against private buyers.

“We still believe we are the only credible option, and are grateful to the Commissioners for their willingness to seek a solution that involves the Trust.”