Hotel joins top ten places worth saving

The Grade II*–listed Waterloo Hotel and Grill in Smethwick features on the Victorian Society's annual list of the 10 most at risk Victorian and Edwardian buildings. The society today said it was in "a deplorable" state and called for funding to restore it. It joins Birmingham's Moseley Road Baths which makes the list for the third year running.

The top 10 was drawn up after a national appeal to find the nation's best and most threatened buildings. Nominations flooded in from conservationists, campaigners and members of the public.

Dr Ian Dungavell, director of the Victorian Society, said: "People clearly feel very strongly about beautiful, robust buildings being left to decay.

"In the case of The Waterloo the building is now in a deplorable state, despite still being open for business. It surely won't last much longer without help.

"Even in the current economic climate money must be found to weather-proof these buildings and protect them from vandals.

"Future generations won't forgive us for leaving our heritage to deteriorate beyond repair."

Moseley Road Baths in Balsall Heath remains the country's only Grade II*– listed public swimming pool in which it is still possible to swim. Grade II*–listing offers the highest degree of protection for buildings, which are subject to the most restrictive planning laws.

The Waterloo Hotel and Grill in Shireland Road was built in 1907 by Wood and Kendrick as a showcase pub built for local brewers Mitchells & Butlers.

Behind the grand Edwardian baroque facade is a basement restaurant, complete with its original grill, still in working order and this is considered unique.

The importance of the Waterloo was recognised by English Heritage in 1999 when it upgraded the pub to Grade II*– listed status. But the last 10 years have seen a steady decline.

The pub was closed last night and no-one was available for comment.