NORTH Wales’ push for UNESCO World Heritage Status for its historic slate industry has received cross-party support from the UK Government.

Meirionnydd’s slate towns, such as Corris and Blaenau Ffestiniog, would benefit hugely from the new status which would be sure to bring a “significant economic boost” to the region.

A Plaid Cymru push to award the slate industry of north Wales UNESCO World Heritage Status has won the backing of cross-party MPs, following the tabling of a Motion by the party’s Westminster leader and MP for Arfon, Hywel Williams, who wants the industry’s contribution to north Wales formally recognised.

Hywel Williams MP is calling on the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to consider slate industry areas such as Llanberis, Bethesda, Dyffryn Nantlle, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Corris for technical evaluation, to be awarded the prestigious World Heritage status in recognition of their role in shaping the historical, industrial, economic, geographical and cultural landscape of north Wales.

His call has been backed by SNP, Labour and Conservative MPs.

Hywel Williams MP said: “Formally recognising the slate industry’s immense contribution to north Wales would be a fitting tribute to all those involved in the industry, and would provide future generations from around the world with the opportunity to learn about the valued contribution these areas have made in defining the history, culture and landscape of north Wales.

“The striking visual scars on the hillsides of north Wales is testament to the labour of thousands of workers over many generations, who cut slate by hand in often very dangerous conditions for very poor financial return.”

“Achieving this prestigious status isn’t without its challenges, but if the bid were successful it would provide a significant economic boost for north Wales and the wider Welsh economy.

“Some of our existing world heritage sites in north Wales already bring us global recognition, such as Caernarfon Castle.

“It would be great if this could be matched by affording the slate industry of north Wales the same status.

“Plaid Cymru will continue to offer support to the hard work already done by Gwynedd Council and partner organisations to turn this ambitious project into a reality.”

Roland Evans, Senior Manager Economy and Community in Gwynedd Council said: “This is an important project for the whole of Meirionnydd and Gwynedd.

“One of the key aims of Gwynedd Council in developing the nomination in partnership is to meet the economic and social potential of our slate quarrying areas, and wider communities across the county.

“An independent report recently commissioned by the council notes clearly that a successful nomination has the potential of bringing significant economic and social gains to communities across Gwynedd, in addition to safeguarding our rich slate heritage for future generations world-wide.

“The nomination process is long and complex and although the UK Government has indicated initial support for our nomination following the submission of a technical evaluation in November 2015; much work remains to be done to ensure that our case for the Slate Industry of North Wales to become a World Heritage Site is strong and compelling on a global scale.”