THIRTY of Bolton's most historic and important buildings are in danger of being lost forever due to neglect and decay, the BEN can reveal.

Bolton has 600 rich and varied historic monuments listed which are a vital part of the town's heritage -- but 30 of them are "at risk" of deterioration and in need of urgent action to protect them.

Bolton Council is developing an action plan to help owners of listed buildings keep them maintained, secure, and wind and water tight.

An historic cottage at the back of Smithills Coaching house is being demolished because it deteriorated beyond repair. The council says this must not happen again. Others that could face the same fate include Seddons Fold Farm, Kearsley; Holy Trinity Church on Trinity Street; Falcon Mill, Handel Street in Halliwell; and Gilnow Mill on Spa Road and an old house on Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge facing McDonald's.

Historic buildings officer Richard Cowley says considerable progress is under way to conserve the historic environment, but there is still much work to be done.

"Those buildings at risk of rack and ruin are usually empty and often the owners don't have the money for their upkeep," he said.

"We are going to produce a planning brief for each and get developers interested in the properties. It is a challenge because they can be expensive to convert, so it is not going to be easy.

"We can also talk to owners and put them in touch with national funding agencies and developers -- but we do not have a budget to help them financially."

A scheme is also under way to convert three listed mills, a former school at Eagley Way, a redundant grammar school on Great Moor Street and the former Wallsuches Bleachworks into homes. It will preserve the buildings into the next century.

But Conservative Deputy Leader Cllr John Walsh says the council should be providing at least short term funding or loans to help the owners maintain their buildings.

"Short term funding should be available that would act like a mortgage," he said.

"Bolton's rich heritage stems from its range of buildings and they should not be allowed to fall into disrepair."

Some of the town's other listed buildings which are not at risk include three top rated Grade One structures: the Town Hall, Smithills Hall and Hall i'th' Wood.

Grade Two buildings include St Helena Mill in Bolton town centre, St James's Church in Westhoughton, cottages at Barrow Bridge Road, Firwood Fold -- the birthplace of Samuel Crompton, and the Old Village Stocks in Kearsley.

Councillors were due to discuss the proposed action plan at a meeting today.