Relief as loos fly on to list

Nov 2 2004 By Tony Henderson Environment Editor, The Journal

Forty listed buildings are at risk in Newcastle

A total of 40 listed buildings in Newcastle are at risk and another 68 are rated as vulnerable, a new survey has shown.

Only the top two levels of listed buildings - grade I and II-star - are included on English Heritage's at risk register.

But Newcastle City Council has now re-surveyed its register of grade II listed buildings and initial results indicate 28 are at risk in addition to 12 on the English Heritage list.

But city historic environment manager Ian Ayris said that this was a big improvement on a similar survey in 1991.

Then 169 buildings were at risk and 283 were vulnerable.

"Obviously we would like no listed buildings to be at risk but there has been a 70pc improvement since 1991 which suggests an increased interest and awareness of the value of listed buildings," said Mr Ayris.

Major strides have been the rejuvenation of Grainger Town and the Quayside area.

Grant offers have also been made for repairs to the key Red House group of listed buildings at Sandhill on the Quayside.

A survey is to be carried out of all County Durham's 2,767 grade II listed buildings.

The county council is meeting English Heritage later this week to decide how the huge exercise will be planned.

The grade II buildings make up the bulk of the county's historic stock, with another 155 ranked as grade II-star and 101 are grade I.

"The benefits of maintaining the heritage asset are numerous but we know that it can be a catalyst for regeneration, learning, community cohesion and economic development," said a council spokeswoman.

"Our heritage also has a key role to play in promoting the identity of County Durham as a unique and special area."

Coun Bob Pendlebury has been appointed as historic environment champion at council cabinet level.