SOME of Huddersfield's oldest and most recognisable buildings are at risk, says a watchdog group.

Grand buildings like Folly Hall Mill, at the bottom of Chapel Hill, 16-20 St George's Square and Milnsbridge House in Dowker Street are on this year's English Heritage's buildings at risk list.

The six-storey Folly Hall Mill, built in 1844, has been the target of several arson attacks in the past two years. It has fallen in to disrepair since it closed in 1982.

The imposing Grade II listed building did undergo some repairs in the early 1990s - but now has rows of broken windows and trees sprouting from its walls.

The floors above the ground-floor nightclub at 16-20 St George's Square - built in 1852 as warehouse and office space - are in a poor condition, with walls bowing and damp.

Milnsbridge House is described as being in a very bad state of repair.

Nine buildings in Kirklees and four in Calderdale are on the risk list.

English Heritage's historic building inspector, Trevor Mitchell, thinks it is vital that buildings like those on the register in the Huddersfield area are saved.

He said: "One thing that is certain about old buildings like these is that if we ignore them and let them decay they will fall down.

"Folly Hall Mill is a wonderful old building and, although there have been lots of proposals to improve it, as yet nothing has happened.

"But I am confident a use can be found and it can return to its former splendour.

"However, Milnsbridge House is in a bad state, even though it looks far worse than it actually is.

" As far as I am aware there are no plans to do any work to improve it.

"We put the St George's Square building on the list last year because of structural difficulties with the back wall. Since then, it has changed owners, but I am not aware of any plans for work."

Other local buildings on the list include the Priory Gatehouse and the Malthouse in Kirklees Park, Brighouse, and Nether Hall Barn, Rawthorpe Lane, Dalton.

Nationally, 1,500 properties are on the register. It is estimated it would cost £400m to repair them all.