Gorge works on top priority list

The Ironbridge Gorge, cradle of the Industrial Revolution, is listed alongside Stonehenge and the Tower of London as Britain's top three heritage sites in need of protection, it was revealed today.

Telford MP David Wright said ministers understood the huge importance of Shropshire's only World Heritage Sitea nd he was confident the £90 million needed to prevent the risk of a catastrophic landslide would soon be found.

Mr Wright, chairman of the Commons' all-party World Heritage Group, is the MP responsible for the Gorge which urgently needs civil engineering work to tackle land instability. He has been lobbying ministers, along with Telford & Wrekin Council, which says the huge cost cannot be met by local taxpayers.

He said: "I wrote to Ed Miliband, minister for the cabinet office, a few weeks ago and spoke to him again last night.

"They are very conscious at cabinet level of the importance of Ironbridge and officials are meeting to look at the best way forward."

He added: "Margaret Hodge, minister of state for culture, media and sport, has made it clear Ironbridge is in her top three priorities."