Editors update - Church of St Michael & All Angels in Stoke Prior has successfully undergone a major refurbishment programme since the following information was released by Historic England. 

SEVERAL of Bromsgrove’s oldest buildings have been placed on Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk’ register.

The list identifies the sites most at risk of being lost because of neglect, decay, or inappropriate development.

The sites can range from grand buildings to buried remains.

In Bromsgrove, mainly churches are on the list with slow decay being highlighted as the main issue.

Church of St Michael & All Angels on Hanbury Road in Stoke is a large parish church that is awaiting repair.

It has been placed in a priority banding labelled D which means a solution has been agreed for the slow decay but has not yet been implemented.

The listing notes: “the tower has structural problems with missing stonework on the southeast corner and the spire has bird damage holes.”

A repair project has been developed which is awaiting stage two approval by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Christ Church in Catshill has also been recognised on the register.

The church has been placed in the highest priority banding meaning the immediate risk of further deterioration or loss is likely.

The sandstone is heavily eroded with harmful vegetation growth and the parapet gutters have several leaks.

Church of St Bartholomew on Church Lane, Tardebigge is listed as a medium priority as the building is slowly decaying.

The listing states: “the sandstone ashlar walling is now heavily eroded” and “the downpipes have leaked and seriously degraded the stone behind them.”

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England said our heritage “is an anchor for us all in testing times”

He added: “Despite the challenges we have all faced recently, this year’s Heritage at Risk Register demonstrates that looking after and investing in our historic places can bring communities together, contribute to the country’s economic recovery and help tackle climate change.

“Our historic places deserve attention, investment and a secure future.”