English Heritage report lists Merseyside's historic sites at risk

Jun 23 2009 By Vicky Anderson

Collegiate School

HISTORIC and distinctive sites across Merseyside have been deemed "at risk", according to the latest report by English Heritage – an extensive survey of the country’s protected conservation areas.

From Churchtown, just outside Southport, to the iconic Hamilton Square, in Birkenhead, much-loved areas of the region make the list.

In Liverpool, Sefton Park, Wavertree Village and the city centre Ropewalks area around Seel Street are among the places shown to be in trouble.

Just over half of the North West’s local authorities (53%) completed questionnaires on their conservation areas – places designated to protect their special character and appearance – to give a full picture of the state they are in.

The aim of the campaign, English Heritage says, is to get residents, local groups and councils working together to improve them before it is too late.

Top threats are such seemingly innocuous problems as plastic windows and doors, general alterations, and satellite dishes spoiling the look of buildings, as well as general street clutter and poorly maintained roads, pavements and traffic management measures.

But the 2009 Heritage at Risk register gives details of more than 5,000 nationally designated sites at risk of neglect, decay or "inappropriate change".

Its findings show that statistically, 5.1% (103) of Grade I and II* buildings in the North West are at risk, as are 15.1% (198) of its scheduled monuments and 3.9% (5) of the registered parks and gardens.

On Merseyside, English Heritage holds up Seel Street’s Ropewalks area and Birkenhead’s Hamilton Square as the two areas in most urgent need of help.

Seel Street was established in the mid-18th century.

The decline of the docks 200 years later was reflected in the growing levels of vacancy and consequent decay. Despite action including Urgent Works Notices, long-term ownership challenges have also trapped buildings in a circle of neglect.