London - Britain is proud of its outstanding cultural heritage but a new report released yesterday showed that serious neglect has left many historic buildings in disrepair.
The report by English Heritage, the government's conservation agency, said about 1,500 buildings were at risk, with some literally falling apart. Lack of investment in historic buildings could make them an endangered species.
"Doing nothing for our great world heritage is no longer an option," said the English Heritage chairman, Sir Jocelyn Stevens, at the report's launch at north London's Roundhouse, itself a listed building.