Bradford's Heritage "at Risk"

Tarnished Jewel: Haworth Main Street is in need of repairs

Bradford's unique history could be lost, according to English Heritage.


A report by the charity out today revealed that the Bronte village of Haworth has been added to a list of conservation sites in the UK thought to be "at risk".


The report is the most in-depth study ever undertaken into the state of Britain's historic treasures.


Many of the region's traditional characteristics are being lost, which could cost millions of pounds in tourist revenue.

Haworth is struggling to avoid its heritage being eroded by modern changes to the village but Bradford Council, with advice from English Heritage, has developed a strategy for repairing the characteristic "setted" street surfaces and has found the funding to carry out the work.


Many of the shops and houses are however losing their traditional features and details and as a result the character and appearance of the village is at risk.


Trevor Mitchell, Yorkshire Director of English Heritage, added: "Haworth is a great place, visited by thousands every year. But it is slowly changing, for the worse, so that the Bronte's might not recognise it if they returned today. Haworth should be the best-kept and best-presented conservation area in the region and we are keen to help to reverse the decline."

Report: Laura Pennington Photo: Danie Linsell