Fears for the future of some of Wigton’s historic buildings have prompted a review of the town to be launched.

A heritage survey will take place to discover the condition of the town’s historic architecture.

Almost 100 sites will be checked by volunteers working for the North of England Civic Trust (NECT).

Specially-trained volunteers will be scouring the town as of this week, looking at the condition of buildings. They will complete their work by the end of October.

It follows similar projects carried out by the organisation in Workington, Maryport and Cockermouth last year.

Rose Lord, project manager for the trust, said: “Wigton is quite important because the conservation area has been designated ‘at risk’ by Historic England.

“It is feared the town is losing historic interest and character either through the conditions of buildings or because of elements not sympathetic to the buildings.”

There are some 41 listed buildings in the town’s Conservation Area and 92 in Wigton itself.

The review will involve taking external condition surveys to get a snapshot of how they are.

“Allerdale Council can then look at ways the buildings could be enhanced and will know whether any are derelict or unoccupied,” added Miss Lord.

It will also be the first survey conducted that will take into account the town's Grade II-listed buildings.

The council has commissioned NECT to carry out the survey on their behalf.

Wigton was placed on the 'at risk' register by English Heritage following a survey in 2013.

Groups like the Wigton Civic Society are working to try and improve the look of the town.

The results should be published by English Heritage by the end of the year.