Two Valley town centres and five other locations have been identified as ‘at risk’ by heritage chiefs.
Historic England have updated their ‘Heritage At Risk’ database - which they say identifies sites most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Both Rawtenstall and Bacup town centres remain on the list alongside St John the Evangelist church in Crawshawbooth.
Haslingden’s Grane Mill is included, as well as St Thomas’ and St James’ churches plus St Bartholomew’s church in Whitworth. Bacup has been assessed as being in a ‘very bad’ condition, although is said to be ‘improving’, while Rawtenstall has been judged to be in a ‘poor’ condition which they say is ‘deteriorating’.
Bacup is in the midst of the £2m Townscape Heritage Initiative to renovate historical buildings, while Rawtenstall town centre will undergo the £5.5m Spinning Point redevelopment.
Peter Wood, of Friends of Rawtenstall, says the recognition of the importance of our heritage is reassuring, but its deterioration is depressing. He said: “With Rawtenstall, in terms of the buildings in the centre, the real problem is the picture house and Liberal Club because the other properties on Bacup Road have plans to bring them into use.
“Rossendale was a cradle of the industrial revolution - we have so much heritage and we’re losing it. It’s causing a depression in local communities.
“I think there needs to be a change in attitude from planning authorities.”
Rossendale MP Jake Berry said protecting the Valley’s heritage was one of his ‘top priorities’.
He added: “Here in Rossendale there is substantial work taking place in both Bacup and Rawtenstall to regenerate the town centres.
"But what is important to me, and a point that I have always made, is that any regeneration must ensure that it protects and enhances our local heritage.”
Rossendale council said they are always concerned with any sites that are on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register and other sites which are not included on the National List.
A spokesperson said: “The sites listed are not new additions and we are making every effort to put focus on them, whilst understanding the economic climate we operate under and issues which are unique to these sites and also wanting to ensure the historic fabric is treated in an appropriate manner.
"Also noting that some of these site do fall outside of the council remit - notably the churches, which are still in active worship and are managed by their own process through their denomination.
"The two conservation areas listed as at risk are reviewed annually and the areas have seen improvements.
“The THI work in Bacup has made a difference and focus is now placed on how to continue these improvements.
"Rawtenstall is also seeing improvements, however some of these are over a longer time frame.
"We are deeply committed to conservation in Rossendale and to the preservation of all of these sites for future generations to enjoy and make use of.”
