Liverpool City Council has welcomed a new report which shows it is making solid progress in improving at risk buildings in the city.

English Heritage has just released its new-style 'Heritage at Risk Register' - an enhanced version of its previous, annual 'Buildings at Risk Register' covering grade I (one) and II* (two star) listed buildings.

The number of buildings on the list in Liverpool is down from ten to nine, following the removal of the group of four, late-Georgian properties at 98-102a High Street in Wavertree after action over the last two years.

Of the nine buildings on the list, three have received improved, lower gradings as a result of council action. They are: Croxteth Hall and the laundry cottage within the hall's grounds which have been improved as part of a programme of maintenance; and the Royal Insurance Building on North John Street, where planning permission and listed building consent for a new spa hotel are progressing.


Councillor Berni Turner, executive member for the environment and the council's historic environment champion, said: "I am pleased that the hard work going on to restore the city's most historic buildings has been recognised by English Heritage.

"We are absolutely committed to doing all we can to tackle the problems caused by owners letting their buildings fall into disrepair and become an eyesore.

"However there is still much to be done and we will continue to work through the Stop the Rot forum to secure the future of Liverpool's built heritage as part of the city's regeneration.

"There is an incredible amount of behind the scenes negotiation going on to tackle this issue in Liverpool and I am confident we will see more progress in the near future."

(CD/JM)