Browse Sections
Interactive
Popular Sections
Spotty showersNews
| 
Submit Comments
Under threat
Emma Mountford17/ 7/2008
THREE Middleton landmarks have been labelled at risk of further decay and deterioration in a new doomsday list by heritage bosses.
Tonge Hall, Hopwood Hall and the West Wing of Heaton Hall have all been included on the register by English Heritage.
The new survey forms part of the first phase of a domesday book of threatened places thoughout the UK. Entitled Heritage at Risk, the project shows that out of 700,000 sites accessed so far, one in 12 is at high risk of rapid deterioration.
And one of those buildings is Middleton’s own Tonge Hall. The grade II* listed building on William Street is said to be in ‘very bad’ condition, particularly since it was ravaged by fire in an arson attack last year.
The once magnificent Tudor building, which dates back to 1580, has been given the highest possible priority rating by officials – meaning it is at "immediate risk of further rapid deterioration" with no known solution. Rochdale Council is currently investigating urgent repair options.
Hopwood Hall has been labelled as suffering from ‘slow decay’. The Rochdale Road building is also grade II* listed and is said to be in poor condition.
But perhaps more worrying is the future of the West Wing of Heaton Hall. The neo-classical country house, located in Heaton Park, was built in 1772 by James Wyatt. The building is well-maintained and used as a museum during the summer months, but the West Wing is ‘an empty shell’ according to English Heritage officers. It was previously labelled as being ‘under repair or in fair good repair’, but since last year it has now been listed in a higher priority category and is said to be experiencing ‘slow decay’.
Inclusion on the list is not a criticism of the owners of these buildings but to help keep them in the spotlight and secure their future.
The Heritage at Risk report reveals there are 25 gems in Greater Manchester which are at risk.
Henry Owen-John, north west regional director for English Heritage, said: "The results show that every person in the Greater Manchester area must live near, walk past or know of a heritage treasure at risk near them. I hope that our Heritage at Risk register will galvanise the nation into action before it’s too late and help us save the best for the future."
He added: "In today's fast-changing society our heritage is arguably more important than ever, providing a sense of permanence and continuity, a focus for social cohesion and a sense of identity as well as a catalyst for regeneration and good new design."
Tell us what you think. Email your views to: middletonguardian@menwn.co.uk, click on 'Submit comment', or write to Readers Letters, Middleton Guardian, 24A Fountain Street, Middleton, M24 1AH.
Most recent 1 of 1 user comments
Got an opinion you want to share?Are you interested in the Olympic Games?
Poll has now ended
| Card | BT Fee |
| Capital One BT Exclusive | 3.0% |
| Virgin Credit Card | 2.98% |
| Barclaycard Platinum 'As on TV' | 2.9% |
| Capital One Platinum | 3.0% |
| Company | Typical APR |
| FirstPlus Exclusive Rate | 6.6% |
| Moneyback Bank | 7.6% |
| Alliance & Leicester | 7.7% |
| Halifax (Semi-exclusive) | 7.7% |
| Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) | 7.7% |
| Barclays | 8.9% |
| Provider | AER* |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Fixed Rate Account |
7.20% |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Fixed Rate Account |
7.00% |
|
ICICI BANK HiSAVE Fixed Rate Account |
7.00% |
|
COVENTRY BS CallSave Fixed Bond (104) 31.08.2009 |
6.80% |
|
ARRAY(0x14cc2098) 6 Month Fixed Rate Savings Account |
6.60% |
23/07/2008 at 21:26