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Friday, August 21, 1998 Published at 13:07 GMT 14:07 UK UKOn track for protection

The bridge is a feat of modern-day Scottish engineering The Forth Rail Bridge, parts of Manchester and a railway line between London and Bristol are among sites listed by the government as proposed "wonders of the world" deserving official United Nations recognition.

The areas were among 32 sites across the UK and dependent countries suggested by Culture Secretary Chris Smith for possible inclusion in the UN's list of World Heritage Sites.

The Lake District could receive UNESCO protection

The new list represents an attempt to move away from the current over-representation among World Heritage Sites of palaces, cathedrals and historic towns.

It also includes Liverpool's commercial centre and waterfront, Manchester and Salford's Ancoats, Castlefields and Worsley districts, the Lake District, Kew Gardens in London.

Also listed are Londonderry's Walled City, Gibraltar Fortress and the Fountain Cavern in Anguilla in the West Indies.

Stonehenge already has UN protection

After public debate Mr Smith wants the list forwarded to the UN in the hope its Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will choose some for recognition as World Heritage Sites.

Such sites have UN protection from development.

The UK already has 17 recognised sites, including Stonehenge and Fountain's Abbey.

Mr Smith said: "I want to see our outstanding sites achieve the international recognition they deserve, and I want to ensure that they are cared for and presented to people in the best way possible." "It was felt that emphasis should be given to the UK's industrial heritage and global influence."

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