World heritage bid a step closer

The government nominated mining areas in 1999

Plans to secure the same world heritage status for former mining areas in the South West as enjoyed by Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China have moved a step closer.

A local firm of planning and regeneration consultants has been appointed to prepare an Economic Impact Assessment, as part of the bid submission to the United Nations.

The study has been commissioned by the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site Bid project.

In 1999 the government nominated Cornwall's mining heritage as one of 25 sites it would like to put up for World Heritage site status.

Roger Tym & Partners' assessment will consider the potential economic impact of a successful bid on heritage, green tourism and local businesses.

The report is due for completion in June 2003.