BARROW has been named as one of the historic sites most at risk of being lost forever if action is not taken.

Historic England has revealed its annual list of most valued places which are in desperate need of regeneration work, noting Barrow as one of its at risk areas.

The conservation body has been monitoring the Central Barrow Conservation Area for the past 12 months in order to assess the deterioration of its condition.

Historic England listed areas such as Duke Street, and its surrounding streets, as areas which are in need of regeneration.

Cllr Ann Thompson, leader of Barrow Council, described the announcement as ‘something positive’.

She said: “Even though being this appears to be a bad thing, it could be something quite good.

“We’re hoping being part of the Heritage at Risk register will prompt some more funds to be pumped into the area.”

After a successful bid, Barrow is now part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone project and will be receiving a share of £95 million to help regenerate the high street.

Cllr Thompson hopes the money will help breathe a fresh air into the area.

“We want the street to be brought back to how it was,” she said.

“There’s a lot of heritage in that area which we want to preserve.”

Kate Kendall of Historic England said: “The stars have really aligned for the town to have received the funding whilst also being listed on the register.”

“We see the register as a positive tool which raises the profile of the area to help see what can happen.

“This can be through community events, involving the people that live and work there.”