Public backing for World Heritage Bid

Thursday 08 Oct 09

Consultation to gather views on the nomination of Wearmouth-Jarrow for World Heritage Site status has shown the North East public are overwhelmingly in favour of the bid.

The Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership undertook public consultation in relation to the bid, which centres on the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Peter’s Church in Sunderland and St Paul’s Church in Jarrow, between April – July 2009.

In total, 8,194 responses were received and 96% supported the nomination and the management proposals to protect and preserve the site for future generations to enjoy.

The three month consultation period was co-ordinated by Wood Holmes Group, on behalf of the Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership.
Director Jacki Holmes said: “We used as many methods as possible to gather responses, including events in key venues for the bid and in shopping centres, direct communication to residents in the buffer zones and key groups, advertising and online work. An excellent response was received and it shows that people in the region, and from further afield, are aware of Wearmouth-Jarrow, recognise its importance and actively support the nomination.”
The legacy and influence of Bede, the Christian and cultural heritage of the site and the rare 7th century remains were the main reasons expressed in the consultation to demonstrate the importance and significance of Wearmouth-Jarrow.

Rt Rev Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow and Chair of the Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership said: “We’re delighted with the results of the consultation. Our aim was to find out the views of a wide range of people in relation to the proposed site and incorporate that into the final documents we submit to UNESCO. The fact that so many people, from all around the world, have taken the time to give us their support is an excellent boost for the bid.”

Support for the bid can still be pledged at www.wearmouth-jarrow.org.uk or by signing a Book of Life at a key venue – St Peter’s Church, St Paul’s Church, Bede’s World, National Glass Centre, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.