Scores of historic buildings across the West Midlands are in danger of falling into rack and ruin, it was revealed today.

Of the 2,752 Grade I and II listed buildings in the region, 120 have been deemed “at risk” by English Heritage.

The organisation today unveiled its annual Heritage At Risk register, which had six new additions in the West Midlands.

Waterloo Hotel in Shireland Road, Smethwick, and 100 Sampson Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham, were among them.

The number of Grade I and Grade II buildings at risk in the West Midlands has gone down by almost half since the register began in 1999 but the regional figure is still above the national average.

Tim Johnston, regional director for English Heritage in the West Midlands, said: “As the effects of the financial crisis become apparent, ensuring a sustainable future for our region’s heritage will be a challenge.”

Our Heritage at Risk programme continues to raise the profile of important historic sites at risk and our grants and expertise are often all that stands between a building being saved or lost forever. ”

However, I feel strongly that our continued success depends on a close partnership between public sector organisations, charities, communities and owners.”

Nationwide, 3.1 per cent of Grade I and II listed buildings are at risk but in the West Midlands the figure rises to 4.4 per cent.

Mr Johnston added: “Moving forward, it is clear that budgets will be under pressure but English Heritage’s commitment to do all we can to provide a lifeline for our region’s past continues.”

Last year we offered almost £1.7 million of grants to listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and conservation areas.”

And, with the continued help of individuals, organisations and communities, we intend to reduce the sites at risk as soon as possible.”

Eleven sites were removed from the register, including Weoley Castle in Birmingham, Conduit Head in Maple Hayes, Burntwood, and Dovecote in Chillington Park, Brewood.