KIRKLEES Council has secured funding from English Heritage to check on historic buildings.

The council will undertake an external condition and photographic survey of about 100 listed buildings in Dewsbury and Batley.

It is one of 15 pilot studies being run nationally by English Heritage to try out ways of assessing the condition of the country’s 345,000 Grade II listed buildings (92% of all listed buildings).

The areas to be covered by the project – Dewsbury and Batley town centres and the Bradford Road linking the two – are made up of commercial, industrial, civic, religious and residential buildings.

Private consultants will train and supervise a group of local volunteers who will then undertake the surveys.

The information gathered will be published in a report and used to inform strategic work to deal with buildings that are classified as ‘at risk’.

Clr Peter McBride, (pictured) joint cabinet member for investment and regeneration, said: “The project will provide opportunities for the community to be involved and will help to raise awareness of our rich heritage.

“Kirklees has many fine examples of Victorian buildings as well as other styles and not all of these are in a good condition.

“We will be making the most of the help available from English Heritage to assess what is out there and what needs to be improved.”