November 8, 2011 9.57 am This story is over 147 months old

Lincoln’s historic buildings “at risk”

At risk: A study by English Heritage has shown that some areas and buildings in Lincoln are in a state of disrepair.

A number of Lincoln’s oldest and monumental buildings and areas have been described as deteriorating or at risk by English Heritage.

English Heritage released its 2011 Risk Register findings, which notes endangered buildings in order to help the local community find a sustainable solution.

There are six areas of Lincoln which are considered as either deteriorating or at risk: Cathedral and City Centre, Gowt’s Bridge, St Catherines’, St Peter at Gowt’s, Swanpool and West Parade and Brayford.

However, while English Heritage see the Cathedral as “slowly decaying”, it also believes its overall condition is fair.

“Historically it has been a problem,” said Dr Graham Lott of the British Geological Survey.

“Though it’s not all caused by pollution the building work is being affected by rain in its natural state since it’s slightly acidic to start with.

“While some damage is caused by wetting and drying which happens when the rain dries on the stone but leaves a salt which expands and then breaks the stone.”

Lincoln MP Karl McCartney said he will be keeping an eye on the situation, as well as keeping in touch with Baroness Andrews OBE, the Chairman of English Heritage.

He said: “I am well aware that our city has a proud and distinguished history and these historic sites are an important part of Lincoln’s heritage.

“I am concerned at the number of historic sites in Lincoln that are currently included in the Heritage at Risk Register.

“It is vital that places such as Lincoln Cathedral, and the various buildings and areas that the City Council and County Council administer, that form such an important part of our local identity, are preserved for future generations.”

In the whole of England, 16.9% of Scheduled Monuments are at risk, while 284 Places of Worship have also appeared on the register.

Only 3% of Grade I and II Listed buildings are seen as at risk in the whole country.

— Additional reporting by Josh Francis