At risk of neglect and decay

English Heritage has confirmed that it is to launch a new project to explore how much of the country's historic industrial sites are at risk of neglect, decay or demolition.

Landowners, developers, local communities and professionals will be invited to contribute to the scheme, which will examine locations such as canals, railways, mills and potteries, and Roger Fox tells us he is sure that much of the canal system might fall into the orbit of this project!

Heritage at Risk register

In October, English Heritage will also publish its findings from the Industrial Heritage at Risk study as part of the annual launch of the Heritage At Risk register.

English Heritage Chief Executive Dr Simon Thurley explained:

"Places like Ironbridge Gorge, Caphouse Colliery and the Great Western Railway are some of England's best known and best loved landmarks.

"There are no easy answers but we're determined to see what can be done to help. Our industrial past is too important to ignore."

We are often told of the industrial heritage of the waterways, that are most certainly at risk of neglect, decay and demolition.