Farron welcomes World Heritage Site status but warns Lake District must remain a viable place to live

UNESCO has today granted the Lake District World Heritage Site status. South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has welcomed the decision, saying it will boost the local tourist economy, but has warned that the area must remain a viable place for local people to live and work.

The Lake District has become Britain's 31st World Heritage site, joining a prestigious list of sites across the world including the Grand Canyon and Machu Picchu. World Heritage Sites are areas whose "cultural or natural heritage is of importance to present and future generations of all humanity".

Tim said: "This is fantastic news for our area, and for the local tourist economy. This well-deserved status is a formal recognition of the outstanding natural beauty of the Lake District, and will help to further promote our area as the UK's leading rural tourist destination and attract visitors.

"However, it is vital that the Lake District remains a viable place for local people to live. This decision is about protecting and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of our area, and must not be used as an excuse to freeze in aspic our vibrant rural communities. The Lake District must be a place where local people can afford to live, raise a family and find work so that rural communities can thrive.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved in this successful bid for their hard work."