TWO notable buildings in Harrow are in danger of falling into ruin.

The Hermitage in Kenton Lane and The Rayners Pub in Village Way East are both Grade II listed, but have been put on the English Heritage Buildings "at risk" list.

The list covers 1,235 Grade I and II listed buildings or monuments in Britain which are in danger of serious decay and eventual ruin.

Harrow's latest additions to the London Buildings at Risk register are both currently unoccupied and English Heritage and Harrow Council fear that the owners will let the buildings fall into disrepair.

A spokesman for Harrow Council said: "House prices in London are so high that the real interest is in converting pubs and barns for other uses.

"But, because they are listed, substantial change cannot be made and the owners end up sitting on the building and hoping British Heritage changes its mind.

"In the meantime, though, it starts to decay."

The Rayners Pub has been under threat since it was closed in January 2006.

It is decorated with 1930s art deco fittings that have remained virtually untouched since it was opened.

"It was a popular venue for musicians and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) used to rehearse and perform there regularly.

Bill Ashton, musical director of NYJO, said: "It's a shame to see it going the way of other pubs in the area. I hope it won't be knocked down to become flats.

"It used to be unique in London; the only seven-days-a-week multicultural music venue."

It was thought to have been saved in June 2006, when protests led by Gareth Thomas MP eventually got the popular watering hole listed status.

But the pub is now facing a fresh setback. It has been unoccupied since it shut its doors in January 2006 and is now "in increased risk of decay and vandalism".

Another endangered building is The Hermitage, a late 16th to early 17th Century cottage that was part of Harrow's agricultural past.

However, English Heritage describes its current condition as: "In a state of disrepair with cracks in walls, peeling paint and render, holes in ceilings and broken roof tiles. All are causing damp problems."

It is under offer at the moment, but the property agent warns that it "requires extensive refurbishment works."

The buildings have been highlighted as "in danger" and English Heritage and Harrow Council will continue to fight for their preservation.

Councillor Marilyn Ashton, portfolio holder for planning, development and enterprise, said: "We're working hard with our partners to preserve the historical heritage of Harrow's buildings."

It was not all bad news for Harrow, though, as the Ace Cinema was removed from the At Risk register.

The former cinema in Rayners Lane has undergone major renovation work to convert it into the Zoroastrian Centre and is no longer considered in danger.