A LOCAL MP has voiced her alarm as over 50 conservation areas and heritage sites in her area are at risk according to English Heritage.

Anne McIntosh, the Vale of York member, is worried about the results of English Heritage’s annual Heritage at Risk Register.

The Conservative MP claims the register has 47 scheduled monuments, five listed buildings, three registered parks, and a historic battlefield in her area.

Amongst those in her area are 15th century Snape Castle, near Bedale; the early nineteenth century chapel at Allerton Park, near Knaresborough; and round barrows at places like Boltby and Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe.

Miss McIntosh said: "The Vale of York is blessed with a huge variety of historical monuments and structures.

"Some of these monuments have existed for nearly two millennia and could exist for many years to come if they are treated with the proper respect.

"I share many of the concerns expressed by English Heritage in their recent Heritage at Risk Register.

"I would encourage people to protect the architecture of the Vale of York by supporting both the work of English Heritage and local history groups and civic organisations operating in their area.

"I believe that, having been bestowed with such a rich heritage, we must preserve and protect what has been left to us for future generations to enjoy."

To help fight the problem nationally English Heritage has set up the Conservation at Risk campaign to encourage councils, residents and businesses to work to protect the at risk areas.