Conservation areas at risk of being ruined

Jun 23 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

Click here to find out more about the at risk register and to read the full report

ALMOST 50 conservation areas in the North East are considered at risk of neglect, decay or damaging change. it is revealed today.

One in five of 243 conservation areas surveyed in the region is considered to be at risk, says English Heritage.

The figure emerges from the launch today by English Heritage of its 2009 Heritage at Risk register.

The register offers the most detailed ever insight into the state of the region’s important historic places and includes the results of the first ever national survey into the condition of conservation areas.

These areas – designated by local councils to protect their unique character and appearance – represent the heart of the region’s built heritage.

Now, based on the survey’s findings, English Heritage is launching a Conservation Areas at Risk campaign to encourage residents, local groups and councils to work together to improve these special places.

For the survey, English Heritage asked all local authorities in the region to complete a questionnaire for each of its conservation areas.