Sixteen historic Ryedale buildings are threatened by neglect and decay and four are at risk of immediate deterioration, according to a new English Heritage report.

The buildings are among 159 Yorkshire and Humber structures on the annual Buildings at Risk register.

A quarter of the Ryedale "at-risk" buildings are within the boundaries of the famous stately home of Castle Howard.

These are the Stray, the Medici Vase and Pedestal, the Pyramid and the Mausoleum.

And the first three of these are among the quartet seen to be at immediate risk, though English Heritage say work has been agreed to bring the buildings up to scratch. Good news for Castle Howard is that another Pyramid, at Pretty Wood, and the Temple of Four Winds have now been removed from the list - having been on it last year - after repairs were completed with an English Heritage grant.

The other Ryedale structure needing immediate work is the screen wall near to Malton Lodge in Malton, and, according to English Heritage, no solution to that has yet been found.

Ebberston Hall, on the A170 Malton to Pickering road, is also highlighted, with three of the structures within its grounds needing repair.

They are all described as being in a poor condition but their decay is said to be "slow".

Other buildings among the Ryedale sixteen are the 17th Century York House in Malton, Neville Castle at Kirkbymoorside and Sheriff Hutton Castle.

In a speech due to be made today, English Heritage chairman Sir Neil Cossons wias expected to say that £400 million is needed to bring all the buildings on the national register up to scratch.

This is far more than English Heritage can afford, and Sir Neil is expected to call on the Government to provide the cash.

Joan Fraser, secretary of Pickering and District Civic Society, said: "It is always regrettable when an historic building falls into disrepair, but I can sympathise with the owners of private buildings, as it can be very difficult to raise money for maintenance and repairs."

Updated: 11:37 Tuesday, June 26, 2001