The news that Haworth and the surrounding Bronte country will not be put forward as a possible UNESCO World Heritage site is a disappointment for the whole region.

The Tourism and Heritage Minister announced that the 11 potential candidates for the international accolade would not include the area that inspired the Brontes. That is despite it being the second most visited literary shrine in this country after Stratford-Upon-Avon.

And it is a global attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to see the Parsonage, which was home of the Bronte sisters, and the surrounding countryside, which inspired their famous literary works.

Getting World Heritage Status would have added to that global fame. But perhaps more importantly, it would have opened up potential avenues of funding to help maintain and preserve the area.

The appeal of Haworth and Bronte Country cannot be underestimated to the district’s economy.

World Heritage status would have been a major boost for the area, allowing it to join Saltaire, which was given World Heritage Status in 2001.

The standard of competition, though, means there is no shame in not being put forward.

The historic city of York was another location that didn’t make it this time.

Locations that have made the shortlist include the Forth Bridge, Jodrell Bank Observatory, and the Lake District. And it is reassuring to know that those behind the bid have already said they will not give up and will bid again in the future.

Haworth and its surrounds may not be as grand as some of the other places put forward. But it is a very important site for the literary heritage of this country. And as such, it needs to be protected and preserved for future generations.

Let us hope it is looked at more favourably by those who nominate these locations next time it comes around.