Elland and Todmorden have been shamed in an annual English Heritage survey of listed buildings and momuments that need rescuing – which this year for the first time includes conservation areas, specially designated to protect their unique character and appearance.

The report says conservation areas – covering the centres of both towns – have deteriorated in the last three years.

Empty shops and buildings, new developments out of keeping with the area's character and lack of investment have contributed to the problems.

Trevor Mitchell, English Heritage regional director for planning and development, said: "These findings are a call for action. Conservation areas make a tremendous contribution to our quality of life, economy and sense of identity.

Many of the problems they face are due to what owners and businesses do to their properties and how councils manage the streets, pavements, parks and public spaces."

English Heritage is starting a Conservation Areas at Risk campaign to get residents, local groups and councils working together before it is too late.
It will urge councils to make more use of their controls over changes to conservation areas, such as protecting period detail, and to use their powers to encourage owners to repair or sell neglected buildings.

Geoffrey Whitehead, chairman of Greater Elland Civic Trust, said: "We are getting more and more flats built which increase the traffic, but we still can't get a railway station.

"We are trying to make things better. But when you get empty shops it looks deserted and run down."

The survey by English Heritage, released today, showed the main threats to conservation areas were plastic windows and doors, poor roads and pavements, street clutter, satellite dishes and unsympathetic extensions.
Amanda Byrne, cabinet member for regeneration and development said: "We need to work together to ensure conservation areas at risk in Calderdale are improved.
"To ensure conservation areas receive the attention they deserve, annual growth of £15,000 was approved in the council budget.
"We are planning to target specific areas and have seen successful repair works at Lumb Mill, Shibden, and Somerset House."