UK heritage in danger
8th September 2008
British heritage sites are not being properly preserved, according to a new Unesco report.
The UN committee is concerned that new developments around the sites, such as busy roads and tower blocks, are threatening their standing.
Unesco has even suggested that some UK sites could be added to its ‘in danger’ list next year.
Seven sites have been highlighted by the report as under threat, including the stone circles at Avebury and Stonehenge, and the Neolithic ruins of Orkney.
The medieval old town of Edinburgh has been singled out for particular concern. Unesco is worried that building projects in the heart of the Scottish capital will ruin the essence of the area, citing an approved hotel, housing and office complex planned next to the Royal Mile.
Other UK sites in trouble are the historic city of Bath, Westminster and Tower Bridge.
Liverpool was praised for heeding Unesco concerns about new building projects but was told that further action is needed to safeguard the city’s maritime heritage.