ENGLISH Heritage has published its fifth register of historic buildings and landmarks at risk from ruin and decay.

The list, published on Tuesday, reveals a total of 131 important buildings and monuments suffering the ravages of time throughout the North-East, while across Yorkshire and Humber, the tally is 154.

New to this year's list are nine properties in Tyne and Wear and seven in Yorkshire and Humber, including Ray Wood Walls at Castle Howard, the Old Gatehouse, Jervaulx Park, and Holgate House, York.

However, it is not all bad news.

Saltburn Pier is now off the list after extensive renovation work, as is the wartime listening post north of Wheatlands Farmhouse, Redcar; St Cuthbert's Church, Kirkleatham; Thorpe Farmhouse, near Greta Bridge; Thompson Mausoleum, Little Ouseburn; and the Medici Vase and Pedestal at Castle Howard.

Hopefully joining that list in the near future will be the grandstand at the old racecourse in Richmond, which has been classed as "at risk" for the past five years.

Built in 1777, the last remaining example of York architect John Carr's work was partly demolished by the old local authority in the Seventies.

Now the local authority's successor, Richmondshire District Council, is to work with English Heritage to formulate a strategy for its repair and perhaps complete restoration.

Giles Proctor, English Heritage historic buildings architect, said: "We will be offering a small grant to the council so it can carry out a conservation plan.

"It is not impossible that someone will look at the whole racecourse and identify a long-term solution, either for the ruins or even the reconstruction of the grandstand, as long as there is a viable use for the building."

Over the last five years English Heritage has given more than £22m to buildings at risk, but the subsidy needed to save the hundreds of properties stands at £400m.

Dr Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, added: "Buildings at risk are an invaluable part of our lives and our culture.

"They are not just castles and stately homes but the familiar landmarks, public halls, old pubs and houses that define the character and appearance of our streets.

"Losing these, through neglect and decay, changes the way a town, city or village looks forever."

Properties across the region still on the list include the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, Tockett's Mill and the Priory Dovecote in Guisborough, Markse Hall, Aiskew Mill, Colburn Hall Gatehouse and Nappa Hall, Askrigg, to name but a few