Decaying heritage sites 'at risk'

Parts of the building date back to the 16th Century

The future of some historical gems in Lancashire is under threat from neglect and decay, English Heritage says.

Twenty-nine sites have been judged to be at risk in Lancashire, including the Ormskirk water tower, Lytham Hall and The Holme in Cliviger.

The Holme, which dates back to the 16th Century, was partially destroyed by fire five years ago.

It had been turned into a country club in the 70s and was a rest home at the time of the fire.

Also on the register is Woodfold Park near Blackburn, laid out in the 1790s to accompany the country house designed by James Wyatt for Henry Sudell, a local cotton magnate.

The park also contains a Grade II-listed ice house and two stone bridges, all built around 1800.

'Galvanise action'

Henry Owen-John, North West regional director for English Heritage, said: "The results of our first Heritage At Risk report show that every person in Lancashire must live near, walk past or know of a heritage treasure at risk near them.

"I hope that our Heritage At Risk Register will galvanise the nation into action before it is too late and help us save the best of the past for the future."

English Heritage claims that more than one in five of England's archaeological sites and monuments are at risk.

The organisation said threats included natural processes and man-made pressures, like development and vandals.