A real gem

HAWORTH needs no introduction. The home of the Brontë sisters, this iconic Pennine community is one of the enduring symbols of Yorkshire and deserves the world heritage status that is now being proposed.

Yet, if the Bronts were to return today, they might not recognise the place that they called home. While many of the buildings and streets survive, the village's character has been gradually eroded by street clutter and buildings falling into disrepair.

As a conservation area, Haworth already has special status – irrespective of the world heritage decision. But, despite this, it now finds itself on English Heritage's "at risk" register because of its steady decline.

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Some will blame a shortage of money. Others will say too much emphasis has been placed on Haworth's infamous car clampers. Either way, new income streams are needed to preserve the Bront legacy – and one of Yorkshire's greatest gems.