Thirty buildings in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park have been taken off the Park Authority's 'at risk' register.
A survey by the authority shows that since 1999, a third of the properties on the Buildings at Risk register have now been restored or renovated. There are 1,242 listed buildings in the Park and a total of 63 (five per cent) now remain 'at risk', compared with 93 (7.4 per cent) in 1999. Among the recent success stories are The Old Priory on Caldey Island, the Tramway Bridge at Stepaside Colliery, St. Brides walled garden, Butterhill Mansion in St. Ishmaels and St. Peter's Church, Hasguard.
The authority's building conservation officer, Robert Scourfield, said: "Listed buildings are recognised for their architectural or historical value and it is extremely satisfying when we can have a hand in rescuing such important buildings from decay or neglect.
"'At risk' buildings are often those which have a very limited future use, like lime kilns, small farm buildings or old industrial buildings. They tend to be the ones at the bottom of the heap, which can't be converted and there is no profit to be made from them. "But they are fundamental to the character of the National Park and the authority works to protect them and secure their future.
"If we identify a property as being vulnerable, we will consult with the owners, who are often sympathetic to the building's condition and are looking for ways to help rescue it. So it is nice when we can offer advice and support to start making improvements."
The restored buildings include some that are owned or managed by the authority and some which are in private ownership. Work on some properties has been funded by the authority and others through grant aid, while the authority has also given advice on other buildings which have then been privately repaired.
Of those which remain at risk, a rolling programme of work will see restorations carried out across the Park, including the windmill tower at Dale, which is currently being restored by the Friends of Pembrokeshire National Park with guidance from the authority. The Friends also hope to conserve Dale's Pickleridge Limekilns. Efforts are being made by the authority to initiate works to remaining buildings of concern, such as the Old Vicarage ruins at Castlemartin and Pont Newydd, Nevern.
If you own or manage a historic building and would like advice, contact the National Park Authority on 0845 345 7275.
• Old Priory: The Old Priory on Caldey Island, a medieval courtyard building, has been re-roofed. The east and west ranges of the Grade I listed priory had been deteriorating, which concerned the monastic community and the Park Authority. An £88,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government's Physical Regeneration Fund (managed by the authority) enabled the re-roofing of both ranges and the Priory Church with its leaning tower. The work has ensured the buildings are weathertight. Further repairs are planned to the walls and windows. The east range contains a king- post roof dating back to the 14th century, which is rare in south west Wales. It will be preserved intact.
Tramway Bridge, Stepaside Colliery: This bridge falls on the National Park boundary and forms part of an inland link route to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path National Trail. Trees growing out of the structure have been coppiced, so that they are still living but no longer causing a problem (if the roots are removed, holes are left which would make the bridge unstable). The coping walls at the top of the bridge are being replaced to make it safer for people crossing it. The bridge is Grade II listed as part of the rich industrial heritage of the Pembrokeshire coalfield.