Plea to save historic buildings

VOLUNTEERS are needed to take a tour of Oldham’s Grade-II listed structures.

Working with other heritage bodies, English Heritage is asking for volunteers to survey England’s 345,000 Grade-II buildings - 530 of which are in Oldham, including the Lyceum in Union Street.

The idea is to generate a record of those most in need of attention.

Pilot surveys run over the last year indicate that there is a potential army of volunteers from all walks of life keen to do something to help their local area.

Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said: “We are announcing a win-win proposition.

“For English Heritage it means we will eventually get, for the first time, a complete picture of the condition of all England’s listed heritage. Surveys could reveal areas of decline before they become apparent, be used to evaluate planning applications or spur enforcement notices.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact English Heritage on 0870-333 1181 or email customers@english-heritage.org.uk.