English Heritage add Buildings to at risk list
Properties in Croydon have been named on English Heritage's 2005 buildings at risk register, which has revealed an increase in the number of threatened buildings in the capital.
Image: The Church Gate to St John the Baptist Church
The four buildings in the borough join others from Wandsworth, Lewisham, Bromley, Lambeth, Southwark, Merton and Sutton which have been highlighted on the list published on 7th July 2005, as 'at risk' through neglect and decay.
The buildings in Croydon include: the gateway to St John the Baptist Church in Howley Road, Croydon, the Leslie Arms pub in Lower Addiscombe Road, Addiscombe, Segas Offices, Park Lane, Croydon, Queen's Road Hospital entrance block in Queen's Road, Croydon, Lion Lodge in Spout Hill, Addington, and Surrey Street pumping station, Surrey Street, Croydon,
Image: The Leslie Arms, Addiscombe
All six have been on the list in previous years. The register, published annually, brings together information on all Grade I and II listed buildings and schedule monuments, which are structures rather than earthworks, known to English Heritage to be at risk from decay, or vulnerable to becoming so.
Most of the buildings and structures are in poor to very bad condition, but a few in fair condition are also included, usually because they have become functionally redundant, making their future uncertain.
English Heritage said inclusion on the register implies no criticism of the owners of the buildings and monuments concerned, many of whom are actively seeking ways to secure their future.
Image: Queens Road Hospital
A spokesman said the list was in essence a "warning sign" to draw people's attention to potential damage which could occur.
"The list signals that there are risks and actions that need to be taken in order to preserve them. It's not necessarily the responsibility of local authorities as some on the list are privately owned.
"In many cases, work to restore the buildings is ongoing which is why some buildings stay on the list for more than one year."