Call for action on historic buildings at risk in Westminster
August 21, 2008 7:22 PM
Local LibDem campaigner Mark Blackburn inspects the railings around Crescent Gardens, on Park Crescent
The publication of a register highlighting the plight of historic buildings in Westminster has been welcomed by local Liberal Democrats.
The register, published by English Heritage, is drawn up to draw public attention to buildings with important historical character or significance that have fallen into disrepair.
There are 32 entries from the City of Westminster on the Heritage at Risk Register. Not every entry is a building. The railings around Crescent Gardens, on Park Crescent, for example at deemed at risk. About 200 years old, they are down as being in "poor" condition by English Heritage. In parts they are broken, and held together only with the help of unsightly metal braces.
Commenting, the chair of the local Liberal Democrats, Mark Blackburn, said, "Historic buildings and structures can, sadly, be lost through neglect and lack of use. This register is a very important document, which can focus the attention of the general public on what we need to do to protect our heritage.
"The Government needs to act on this. One policy that Liberal Democrats would propose is to cut VAT on repairs and maintenance of historic buildings. VAT is currently payable on that sort of work.
"How would the LibDems pay for this policy? We would put VAT on materials used to build new homes on greenfield sites. The money raised this way could also reduce VAT bills on repairs, conversions and maintenance of all homes, not just on historic buildings. It is just a matter of common sense."
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