Some of Bradford's most historic buildings are in danger of falling into ruin, a new survey has warned.

An English Heritage report lists 12 buildings in the area which need urgent repairs to avoid becoming too decayed to restore.

Among those most in danger is Lister's Mill, in Manningham, which is in "very bad condition" and at "immediate risk of further rapid deterioration".

Other buildings under threat include the 19th century Providence Place United Reformed Church, in Bradford Road, Cleckheaton, grade one listed Upper Headley Hall, in Thornton, and Myddleton Lodge, Ilkley.

John Hinchliffe, English Heritage's assistant regional director, said: "There are clearly a number of buildings in Bradford, particularly major industrial buildings such as Manningham Mills, where significant funding is needed.

"Building like these are architectural treasures and it is so important that we can stop their decline. The purpose of the report is to highlight the buildings in the area that need attention and help from partnerships that will protect them." Mr Hinchliffe admitted that the challenge facing conservationists was massive, with work costing more than £32 million needed on buildings in Yorkshire and only £900,000 available in English Heritage grants for it.

The Reverend George Moffat, of Manningham Community Association, said work urgently needed to be done on Lister's Mill to stop it falling into further disrepair.

"There have been no roof repairs done at the mill in the six years that the association has existed. There is water on all the floors, which is making it dangerous," he said.

Councillor Anne Hawkeworth (Con, Ilkley), Bradford Council's executive member for the environment, said "There are buildings on this list that have been there for a long time and no progress has been made in certain directions.

"As a new administration we have to see that whatever we can do is done to solve the problem. We cannot afford to let these buildings fall into total dereliction."

One building taken off the danger register this year is Steeton Hall. The building, parts of which date from the 1100s, was rescued by new managers Sally and Alan Kellett three years ago and is now a restaurant and hotel.

Mrs Kellett said: "It's been a long hard process but it's been worth it in the end. It's a lovely building and I'll sleep better knowing we're off the danger list."

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