A DALE church has been added to Historic England’s heritage at-risk register.
The addition of St Mary’s Church, at Rokeby, brings the number of Teesdale buildings that appear on the register to six.
The grade II*-listed building, which was designed by Sir Thomas Robinson and consecrated in 1778, was added because of its poor condition
As spokesperson for Historic England said: “This 18th century grade II*-listed church is part of the Rokeby Estate on which the listed Rokeby Hall also sits.
“It is located on the A66 which has been the main route across the Pennines since prehistoric times. However, today the traffic moves so fast that this remote gem of a church often goes unnoticed.
“Sadly, it is isolated and in poor condition, and has been added to the register this year.”
Rokeby parish councillor Peter Moss said getting access to the church was a major problem because it is along a section of the A66 that has not been dualled, making it dangerous for drivers turning off.
He said: “It would be a different story if they dual the A66. It is only used once a year for a carol service, unless someone asks to be buried there.
“It is a shame because it is a nice church, but it is going downhill. I know some lead was stolen a few years ago, so it has deteriorated rapidly.”
Mr Moss added that cash is in short supply for small churches and nearby Brignall church is also in decline.
Mr Moss pointed out that the church is architecturally important because it is one of only a few churches where the altar is in the north of the church.
Other buildings in Teesdale that appear on the at risk register are Barnard Castle, the packhorse bridge at Headlam, the dovecote at Gainford, Gainford Hall and the gateway to Mortham Tower at Rokeby.
Cairns and rock art on Barningham Moor are also listed, along with Cockfield conservation area.
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