Current Press Releases
Ulster Architectural Heritage Society launches 'Look Before Your Leak'!
Date
20 November 2009
The Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, has produced a free leaflet to mark National Maintenance Week (Friday 20th - 27th November) aiming to encourage owners to undertake routine maintenance to safeguard the fabric and value of their buildings.
The leaflet, entitled Look Before Your Leak, emphasises how preventative maintenance is the most effective way of conserving our built heritage. It ensures that small problems don't become large and costly headaches, and helps retain the unique character that makes our historic buildings special.
Copies of the leaflet will be sent to all local council Mayors and Chief Executives as key custodians of some of our most important historic buildings. They will also be distributed around a number of conservation areas in Northern Ireland.
Andrew McClelland, Heritage Projects Officer from the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, said:
"We all spend time, effort and money looking after our cars, so why does the maintenance of our buildings - by far our most valuable asset - often take a back seat?"
"Cleaning out gutters is the most basic of tasks yet is often neglected with sometimes devastating consequences. The old adage that a stitch in time saves nine is as valid today as ever."
Ends
Notes for Editors:
1. Look before You Leak has been produced under the Built Heritage at Risk Northern Ireland partnership between the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The partnership was first established in 1993 in order to identify historically important buildings and sites which appear to be threatened. Those considered to be ‘at risk' are featured on the comprehensive online BHARNI Register, which can be viewed at www.ni-environment.gov.uk and www.uahs.org.uk .
The primary aims of the project are to highlight the vulnerability of our built heritage and to act as a catalyst for conservation and re-use. These are achieved through heightening public awareness, providing help and advice for existing owners who may wish to undertake a scheme of repair, and assisting potential restoring purchasers who are looking for suitable properties.
Many of the buildings featured on the Register might still be in use had early intervention through maintenance occurred.
2. The leaflet can be picked up free-of-charge from the office of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society. It is also available electronically at www.uahs.org.uk/resources .
3. National Gutters Day (Friday 27th November) is the brainchild of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and is held annually every November during National Maintenance Week.
4. For further information contact:
Andrew McClelland, Heritage Projects Officer
Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, 66 Donegall Pass, Belfast BT7 1BU
E: andrew@uahs.org.uk
T: 028 9055 0213
