14^th January 2008

MARTYN JONES MP VOICES DELIGHT AT OFFICIAL WORLD HERITAGE NOMINATION 

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal has been named as the UK's 2008 nomination for the prestigious World Heritage Status. A final decision on World Heritage Status will be made by Unesco, which awards the status, in July 2009.

The nomination was put forward by Westminster's Culture Secretary James Purnell, who said the aqueduct was "a masterpiece from the canal age".

The aqueduct, built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, was picked as a possible contender for the UK nomination in 2006 - along with the Antonine Wall in Scotland, and the Monastery of Wearmouth and Jarrow in Northumbria.

Mr Jones stated: “Throughout the past year I have fully supported the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct’s bid for World Heritage status. Many parties deserve credit for their work on this bid and I hope they get the result their hard work merits. I have worked throughout the year to get their achievements, as well as the eminence of this site, recognised in Parliament by launching EDM 609.

This nomination is an honour to the many local people who have worked so hard on this bid. I will continue to lend their efforts my fullest support and will continue to fight with them right up to the World Heritage deadline in July 2009.

Thomas Telford’s work deserves worldwide acclaim and nowhere should that be more evident than amongst the local people, like myself who have opportunity to enjoy its splendour on a regular basis.”