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South Holland landmarks on new 'Heritage at Risk' register




Seven historic buildings, four of them churches, have been named in a new list of "Heritage at Risk" sites in England.

The list, published on Thursday by national heritage body Historic England, features 17th century Crowland Manor, Grade I-listed Sneath's Mill, in Lutton , and an office block in Low Fulney, Spalding, once used by the unemployed to learn horticulture.

Two of the churches listed, St Mary Magdalene in Fleet and St Peter and St Paul's, Gosberton, were targeted by lead thieves in May 2019 and January 2020 respectively.

St Mary Magdalene Church, Fleet, where lead was stolen from in January 2020. Photo: 040220-1
St Mary Magdalene Church, Fleet, where lead was stolen from in January 2020. Photo: 040220-1

Holy Trinity Church, Gedney Hill, is also considered to be "at risk", as is Broad Street Methodist Church, in Spalding, where a £750,000 restoration project is nearing completion.

Church treasurer Bryn Chappell said: "We're fairly sure that our building isn't a risk because we've re-roofed it and completely changed the inside of the church where we've just had new toilets put in.

"We've completely restructured the hall and other rooms so the building is probably as good as it's been since it was built in 1887.

Broad Street Methodist Church, Spalding, which has undergone extensive improvements.
Broad Street Methodist Church, Spalding, which has undergone extensive improvements.

"We're no longer a derelict church and we hope that our architects will give is the go-ahead to come off the 'Heritage at Risk' register."

Gill Graper, church secretary at St Mary Magdalene, said: "In January 2020 lead was stolen from part of the roo f, a year after the lych gate (the church's roofed gateway) was destroyed by fire in the middle of the night.

"At present, we are fortunate that our insurance will pay for a new roof and, hopefully, a replacement for the lych gate.

"We are also immensely grateful to the Mary Bass Charity for funding a new security system for the church."

Fleet parish, district and county councillor Peter Coupland said: "The only risk to the church is the temporary roofing due to lead being stolen several months ago.

"New roofing is at present being installed and should be completed within the next week or two.

"Other than that the church council states there are no serious risks/defects to the church structure or fabric that need attention.

"We can only assume the risk noted by Historic England is related to the stolen lead, leaving temporary covering on the roof, with possible water damage to the roof timbers and the interior.

"However, there has been no serious water damage whatsoever."

Debbie Reynolds, administrator at St Peter and St Paul's, said: "Our new lead roofing has now been completed and a roof alarm has been fitted.

"As a result, I contacted Historic England in June to ask for the church to be moved from 'at risk' to 'vulnerable', pending a site visit from them."

In total, 13 sites in South Holland appear on the register and Coun Elizabeth Sneath, South Holland District Council's portfolio holder for conservation and heritage, said: "It is always a worry when some much-loved and iconic buildings in our area are put on this list.

"The financial pressures our churches and places of worship are under means that increasingly small congregations are struggling to maintain ancient and costly structures.

"Sneath’s Mill (no relation) faces an uncertain future as no sustainable use for it has been found, despite a long campaign to raise funds to restore it.

"However, if being included on the list raises the profile and awareness of issues faced, this may be helpful for their futures."



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