THREE listed buildings in the St Helens area are in danger of being lost if money cannot be found to repair them or bring them back to use -- according to English Heritage.

The group's recently-published '2001 Register of Buildings at Risk' featuring the country's most important historic buildings which are threatened by neglect and decay, includes three Grade II listed buildings in St Helens.

The Cannington Shaw Bottle shop on the site of Sherdley works has been derelict since the closure of the works in the late 1980s and has suffered from vandalism and theft of roofing.

Rainhill Hall Farmhouse on Blundells Lane, Rainhill is also now derelict and parts have been declared unsafe.

And the ruins of the Chapel of St Thomas of Canterbury in Windlehurst Roman Catholic cemetery are also in danger according to English Heritage who say that while the tower remains in a relatively stable condition the walls are overgrowing and are collapsing. Prince Rupert is said to have taken shelter there while fleeing from Roundhead Troops during the Civil War.

Malcom Cooper, regional director of English Heritage said: "The North West has marvellous buildings which will be lost if we cannot repair them and bring them back to use. Publication of our buildings at risk register is part of this process of tackling the problem, but we will also continue to give grants and to work with owners, local authorities and others to see how we can bring this number down".

And Sir Neil Cossons, chairman of English Heritage, added: "I urge all local authorities to set up local registers, ensure buildings at risk are repaired and, by following our 'stop the rot' strategy, ensure that more buildings do not become at risk in the future. Identifying problems early prevents deterioration, reduces the eventual cost of repairs and gains time for a permanent solution to be found".