The Ellesmere boatyard has been added to the heritage at risk register due its need for “urgent structural repairs”.

Both the former Maintenance Depot (timber yard) and blacksmith shop are both on the recently released "at risk" list released by Historic England.

The assessment of the building by the organisation has found that the building’s condition was “very bad” with issues raised over the structural condition of the roof.

The buildings were given a B designation where there is an “immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; solution agreed but not yet implemented.”

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Built in 1806 and attributed to canal engineers Thomas Telford and William Jessop Historic England have said the site “remains in use as a maintenance facility and is the best-preserved canal workshop site in Britain.”

With the timber yard area Historic England said a “grant has been offered to this and two other adjoining buildings for urgent structural repairs to roofs, drainage work and chimney brickwork”.

While with the blacksmith area a “grant has been offered to address urgent structural repairs to roofs, surface water drainage and chimney brickwork”.

More than £400,000 was given to Ellesmere Yard earlier this year towards plans for it to become a visitor centre.

The Grade II listed site is maintained by the Canal and River Trust who have said that investment was needed in the historic buildings.

A planning application was made to Shropshire Council by the trust in September to start work on the repair work for the Timber yard.

In the application they added that works would be needed for the engine house and covered walkways.