Historic town is at risk from traffic and plastic windows

By peter smith peter.smith@thepostandtimes.co.uk

HEAVY traffic and plastic windows have left an historic market town's conservation area on English Heritage's at-risk register.

The centre of Leek has been named on the public body's list of areas, buildings, and monuments it fears are in danger of neglect or decay.

But Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) insisted that plans are already in place to protect the ancient town.

Leek Civic Society has now called on the authority to smarten up empty shops, spring clean main streets and radically renovate the run-down bus station.

Society chairman Josie Heath said: "We all need to chip in together to make a big difference.

"The council needs to make a real effort, especially with vacant shops, to make the town more inviting for tourists and residents alike."

One in 14 conservation areas in the country have been named on the at-risk register.

However, Endon is no longer classed as being in danger, following recent renovation work including repainting a mural on the side of The Plough, in Leek Road.

SMDC conservation officer Chris Drage said he hoped improvements such as the £160,000 facelift of Leek Market Place would help the town follow in the village's footsteps.

He said: "Leek suffers from a number of issues which affect its heritage; some of which we can tackle and some of which are more difficult.

"We can make sure traditional joinery is used rather than plastic windows in commercial properties, but with residential it is more tricky.

"Perhaps there are different ways we can manage the traffic which could be addressed in the town masterplan."

Mr Drage said SMDC was working with English Heritage and other conservation bodies to maintain the town's historic landscape. A total of 21 town centre property owners have now taken advantage of a £900,000 Townscape Heritage Initiative to maintain and renovate buildings.

Glazing company boss Nigel Wardle, who runs North Street Glass, in Earl Street, was furious after he was told by planning officials he must remove new uPVC windows.

The businessman said he had been inundated with support from residents who believe the new plastic frames have helped tidy up the 1930s building.

He said: "Everyone in Leek wants to protect the town's heritage but there seems to be a lot of red tape being thrown about in the wrong way.

"We have The Talbot and The White Lion abandoned, houses boarded up, shops left empty and a disgusting bus station but it is us who gets flak for putting in nice windows."

English Heritage chief executive Dr Simon Thurley said he hoped that the extra focus on Leek's conservation area would persuade the council and residents' groups to make sweeping improvements.

"In the current uncertain climate, we hope to encourage neighbourhoods to become actively involved in restoring what is precious to them."