One in seven conservation areas in England is at risk of neglect, decay or damaging change according to a new report published by English Heritage.

According to this year's Heritage at Risk register, plastic windows and doors negatively affect 83 per cent of conservation areas, while poorly maintained roads and pavements affect 60 per cent.

Street clutter and the loss of front garden walls, fences and hedges also spoil the atheistics of around 44 per cent of designated conservation sites.

CEO Simon Thurley said: "Millions of us live in, work in, pass through or visit conservation areas. They are the centres of historic towns and villages, 1930s suburbs, rural idylls or estates of industrial workers' cottages: the local heritage which gives England its distinctiveness."

To combat these negative effects, the organisation is launching a Conservation Areas at Risk campaign to encourage residents, local groups and councils to combine their efforts to improve their local environment.

Thurley explained: "Our research shows that conservation areas do not need time-consuming or costly measures, just prioritising as places people cherish, the commitment of the whole council and good management by residents and councils alike.

"Well-cared for they encourage good neighbourliness, give a boost to the local economy and will continue to be a source of national pride and joy for generations to come."

Councils will be asked improve cooperation between departments, such as Highways and Environmental Services, to take better care of public areas, instead of solely relying upon the Conservation officer.

The implementation of Article 4 Directions is also being encouraged to help protect the original details of private properties.