NEARLY 200 ancient sites, listed buildings and conservation areas in East, North and South Dorset are at risk of decline and deterioration, says conservation watchdog English Heritage.
Its 2012 Heritage At Risk report mentions a number of significant Dorset sites which are in danger, including the grotto at St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, 14th century Sturminster Newton Castle, whose condition is described as 'very bad', with work urgently required to avoid 'significant areas of collapse', and the conservation area of Blandford Forum whose condition is also described as 'very bad'.
More modern buildings are at risk, too, including the Light Anti-Aircraft battery at Sandford, said to be in danger of collapse, and the Royal Naval Cordite Factory at Holton Heath which is in danger from vandalism.
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