On the northern side of the Trowse railway bridge just outside of Norwich lies a pair of Victorian pumping stations.

They once served a vital role in helping to keep the city's water clean from sewage and cholera in the 19th century.

But now they lie derelict and surrounded by overgrown foliage prompting fears the buildings could be lost if action is not taken to protect them.

Norwich Evening News: The pumping stations were built in the 19th and 20th century following a campaign by locals to clean up pollution in riversThe pumping stations were built in the 19th and 20th century following a campaign by locals to clean up pollution in rivers (Image: Archant)

READ MORE: Medieval hall at risk of collapse

The Victorian Society has named the site among its top 10 most endangered buildings in the UK, joining the likes of Liverpool Street Station and the Great Eastern Hotel in London.

Comedy star Griff Rhys Jones, who is the president of the Victorian Society, said: "These are truly exciting buildings.

"Pumping stations show the very best of Victorian practicality and simplicity of design and these are no exception. What great spaces they are. 

"They need imagination and flair. This part of Norwich is a conservation area and its municipal buildings, the local pub and other structures all form an indelible part of its social history.”

Norwich Evening News: The pumping stations were created after a campaign called for action to clean up the River Yare which runs through TrowseThe pumping stations were created after a campaign called for action to clean up the River Yare which runs through Trowse (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Norwich’s Victorian pump house could get new lease of life

The Grade II listed buildings opened in 1869 following a campaign from locals concerned about the high level of pollution in the surrounding rivers - an issue that persists to this day.

A second pumping station was constructed at the site in 1909 and the entire original complex remains, featuring unique designs of the period.

The site was purchased from the council in 2003 by a developer and was last used as a furniture workshop but it has since become derelict.

The Victorian Society is now calling on the developers to sell the property if it is unable to bring forward plans to re-use the historic site.

The list of endangered buildings was voted for by members of the public in England and Wales, they were selected for their unique historical and community significance.