The chances of Saltaire becoming a world-renowned tourist spot received a huge boost today.

The model village was among 25 UK sites which may receive World Heritage status on the grounds of their beauty or historical interest.

The outstanding spots - which could share similar status to the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Grand Canyon - were listed today by Culture Secretary Chris Smith as candidates to be considered for the accolade in the next five to 10 years.

Saltaire's inclusion follows strong lobbying by Shipley Labour MP Chris Leslie. He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled. It's a real step forward in putting Saltaire on the national and international map alongside many other of the world's greatest treasures.

"It shows the Government recognises Saltaire is of outstanding universal value and is all the more pleasing given that we weren't even on the original list of 32 but have managed to persuade them to include the village. UNESCO will have to send a team over the next few years to write a report to send back to the world heritage committee but just being nominated by the Government is a big honour, a bit like being nominated for the Oscars."

He added: "Although there is no direct grant aid that goes with it, I'm sure this will help us lever in extra resources from other areas such as Lottery and European funds."

The full list of UK sites also includes The Lake District, Kew Gardens and Liverpool's waterfront.

The Forth Rail Bridge has been nominated as a work of creative genius, while sections of the Paddington-Bristol railway line and Chatham Naval Base in Kent are also included.

Unesco (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) will examine the nominations to see whether they should be added to 17 UK sites already listed.

Classification is essentially honorary, but some see it as a major benefit in attracting visitors.

The shortlist of 25, of which three are in overseas territories, is the result of a massive consultation exercise, with more than 500 authorities and individuals contacted.

T&A Opinion

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