FOUR historic buildings in Chelmsford have been placed at risk - and in need urgent of repair.

Essex County Council chiefs have released the latest list of buildings around the county described as in desperate need to maintenance work.

Added to the register in Chelmsford are the 1915-built Regent Theatre in Moulsham Street which now houses Chicagos nightclub.

Also new to the list are Shire Hall on Tindal Square, a signal box at Chelmsford station and the derelict Cock Inn pub in Main Road, Boreham.

County Hall bosses said they will be working with building owners to help restore the properties.

A spokesman said: “The objective of the register is to highlight the plight of heritage assets which are at risk and initiate action towards securing their long-term conservation.”

Work has started at Shire Hall in a £500,000 project run by the county council who own the 200-year-old former magistrates’ court building.

Proposals for the Cock Inn since it closed in 2012 have involved it being coverted into flats and a diner.

But the pub still remains empty and Chelmsford Council deputy leader and Boreham and the Leighs ward councillor John Galley hopes a speedy resolution can be found.

Mr Galley said: “I know work has been going on converting the top floor into apartments with a view for a restaurant on the ground floor.

“However, because it has been empty for a couple of years, the building needs a facelift and I hope it comes soon as it would be such a shame to lose the old pub through disrepair.”

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Chelmsford signal box has not been in use since the mid 90s yet remains an integral part of the station building.

"Network Rail is working closely with the local authority to maintain the signal box from further disrepair."