A RESCUED Gwent building is being held up as an example of what can be done for declining historic buildings.

Allt-y-Bela in Monmouthshire was once at severe risk but became a home again after being repaired and restored by the Spitafields Trust.

Heritage watchdog Cadw has warned that 2,882 of the 30,000 listed buildings in Wales were presently classified as at risk while another 5,145 were vulnerable.

It commissioned a report, Buildings at Risk in Wales, which found that while the levels of risk had fallen slightly over the last 10 years, this did not mean there were not significant changes at a local level or in certain building groups.

It is hoped the report will be used as a tool for planning authorities when considering priorities and future strategies for buildings at risk.

In the case of vulnerable buildings, more than 60 per cent of defects relate to a deficit in maintenance but the evidence suggested the rate of decay was slow and could be turned around.

Alun Ffred Jones, the Assembly's heritage minister, said resources were tight and tough decisions had to be made but situations where listed buildings became at risk or vulnerable should be avoided wherever possible.

"Cadw's grants are increasingly being focused on at risk buildings and are invaluable as tools to help stem long term decline.

"Success stories such as Allt-y-Bela in Monmouthshire and Dolbelydr in Denbighshure are proof of what can be achieved if careful planning is put in place."

Cadw is commissioning an all-Wales buildings at risk register next year.

Medieval Allt-y-Bela, off the old Usk to Chepstow Road, was built as a long-house and a wealthy merchant later added a tower.

It was derelict for more than 30 years before Monmouthshire county council served a compulsory purchase order and handed it over to the Spitafields Trust.