CONCERNS have been raised about the condition of a derelict pottery factory.

The Price and Kensington teapot factory, in Longport, has today been included on Historic England’s at-risk register for the 17th successive year.

But experts fear its condition is worsening since the building was hit by a fire in 2009.

It comes as Stoke-on-Trent City Council is launching a crackdown on owners suspected of neglecting their buildings.

Councillor Daniel Jellyman, the council’s heritage champion, said: “The council and Historic England are in agreement that this is an important building and must be safeguarded for years to come.

“The owner of the building has carried out some temporary works. However, these are not enough and we are particularly concerned about the state of the bottle oven. We are urgently working with the owner to address our concerns.

“It is very important that the city’s considerable heritage assets are protected from undue decay resulting from the neglect of their owners. We are implementing a new approach, which will include enforcement, to achieve this.”

The Grade-II listed building is one of the most important in the West Midlands. It still remains on the at-risk register, while the nearby Wedgwood Institute and Middleport Pottery have been saved by the Prince’s Regeneration Trust.

Historic England official Sarah Lewis said: “We hope this listing raises public interest in the building.

“It is exposed to the elements and deteriorating fast. We are working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to find the best solution.

“Heritage England has financial grants and being listed makes the teapot factory potentially eligible for one.”

Price Kensington Potteries was founded in January 1962 following an amalgamation of Price Brothers, Burslem, and Kensington Pottery. It was best known for teapots, bright and novel accessories and collectables dating back to 1896.

Historian and Sentinel columnist Fred Hughes said: “It is one of the oldest factories in Stoke-on-Trent. It’s sad to see it in such a depressed state.”

Geoff Barnett runs the Middleport Memories Facebook group and is sad to see the state of the building.

He said: “I don’t think the building will be with us long. But Price and Kensington is just as important as Royal Doulton.”

The Grade-II* listed Hales Hall, in Oakamoor Road, Cheadle, and Heighley Castle, in Madeley, have been added to the at-risk register for the first time.