THE First Minister of Wales has backed a bid to nominate the historic slate industry of north Wales as the country’s next world heritage site.

Gwynedd Council leaders and officers discussed the bid with Carwyn Jones during his recent visit to the county’s slate areas which include Blaenau Ffestiniog as well as Bethesda and Dyffryn Nantlle.

Gwynedd Council is leading the bid to gain the UNESCO inscription on behalf of a number of partners including the Welsh Government, National Museum of Wales and the National Trust.

The chair of the Steering Group, Cllr Mandy Williams-Davies, of Blaenau Ffestiniog, said she was delighted that the First Minister has given support to the bid which is of local and national interest.

She said: “He obviously appreciated the possible economic benefits of a new industrial world heritage site for north Wales.

“Slate has had an enormous influence on Gwynedd’s communities, landscape, heritage and culture, and it has also played an important role in the history and development of the industrial revolution in Wales as well as in countries all over the world.”

The First Minister said: “Our existing world heritage sites here in Wales, including the castles of Edward the first in north Wales, are a great asset to the country bringing us international recognition and drawing visitors from all over the world.

“Achieving this status is very challenging but if successful can be a significant boost for the local area and wider economy.

“The story of how the slate industry in north Wales developed from small workings to an industry that exported to all parts of the globe is one that has worldwide relevance.

“The Welsh Government will continue to support the work done so far by Gwynedd Council and its partners in working towards world heritage status and I look forward to its progress.”