Call for action on historic buildings at risk

10.40.35am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Jul 2008

The publication of a register highlighting the plight of historic buildings in the South East has been welcomed by Sue Doughty and local Liberal Democrats.

The register, published by English Heritage, is drawn up to draw public attention to buildings that no longer have a use, have fallen into disrepair, but have important historical character or significance. This year's list for the south east contains 169 building at risk entries, 5 fewer than 2007.

"There is a significant danger that historic buildings can be lost through neglect and lack of use," said Sue Doughty, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Guildford. "The register is an important document which puts public attention on what needs to be done to preserve our heritage.

"In Guildford, The Watts Gallery in Down Lane, Compton features in the list and is registered as being in poor condition. The beautiful gallery, built in 1904 as a memorial to the painter G F Watts, came second in the national final of Restoration Village 2006. Although it did receive much support as a result, it still needs help to fully restore the building and secure its financial future.

"Wherever possible, old buildings need to be given new uses and again, the register is important in helping to achieve this. The Government however needs to take action to ensure this happens. One way to do so would be to reduce VAT on repairs and maintenance of historic buildings where it is currently paid.

"Liberal Democrats would pay for this by putting VAT on materials used to build new homes on greenfield sites. The money raised this way could also reduce VAT bills on repairs, conversions and maintenance of all homes, not just on historic buildings".

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Regional sectors of the 2008 register.