Fears for historic sites blamed on staff shortage

Joe Holyoak said a listed building could only survive if it was being used

Concerns have been raised for Birmingham's historic buildings after the Victorian Society highlighted a shortage of skilled staff.

The society, which campaigns for the preservation Victorian and Edwardian buildings, said the city has had a single, part-time conservation officer since September, and has raised concerns with the council's chief executive.

The BBC understands the council has a part-time conservation officer supported by two consultants, while a second is recruited.

After the society highlighted disrepair at Aston's Bartons Arms pub and Handsworth Park, the council said staffing was not an issue and the cases were "not unusual and are typical of issues faced by many councils".

A council spokeswoman said it was usually as a result of buildings being vacant and sometimes in poor condition, adding that it was "a matter facing historic buildings across the country" and "not reflective of staffing resources".

Birmingham has about 2,000 listed buildings and 30 conservation areas.

There was a petition to restore Handsworth Park's Lodge House to community use

At the Bartons Arms, which closed this year, Joe Holyoak, vice-chair of Birmingham and West Midlands Victorian Society, said: "A listed building can only survive and prosper if it's in economic occupation.

"This pub behind me currently is not, therefore it's a cause of great anxiety. A conservation officer would be taking active steps to get this building back into use.

"That's not happening."

The Victorian Society said the Barton Arms, a popular drinking sport for fans at Villa Park, was listed for its interior and the "wealth of tile work".

And Handsworth Park Lodge, described as a "lovely building", was boarded up and since then has been subject to arson attacks.

Tim Bridges said campaigners feared the lodge would be lost or demolished

Council-owned Handsworth Park saw a petition to restore its Victorian Lodge House, which had been rented out as a private residence, for community use.

Tim Bridges, Victorian Society conservation advisor, said: "Our worst fear is that it will end up being lost, demolished."

"Given that there were, 20 years ago, seven conservation officers part and full-time working across the city trying to enhance the conservation of buildings in conservation areas, then it's simply not good enough."

He said the council had a statutory responsibility to make sure buildings are looked after, adding: "They need to find a way."

The council spokeswoman added: "We remain committed to honouring the city's heritage.

"However, we have to acknowledge the significantly reduced amount of funding available, which affects councils across the UK."