RESIDENTS of Oldham are being urged to nominate their favourite buildings, monuments, landscapes and even street furniture to join the Local Heritage List for Greater Manchester, writes Kent Lawlor.

The Local Heritage List looks to work with communities to identify and help protect the architecture that makes a place special and gives it character.

The scheme is being run by the Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service (GMAAS), together with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and local councils.

Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Oldham Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Our borough is characterised by rich and diverse heritage that plays an important part in our identity.

“Significant historic buildings, industrial landscapes and South Pennines make up and provide a variety of designated and non-designated heritage assets, right on our very doorstep.”

The process of nationally and locally listing the country’s most special historical buildings and structures began after the Second World War. Buildings that are on local lists are better protected from inappropriate development under the planning system.

Only around 50 per cent of local authorities in England have a Local List, with many being out of date and incomplete.

Addressing this problem has been the driving force behind funding the current Local Heritage Listing Campaign.

Mr Mushtaq said: “A Local List will help preserve the unique character Oldham has to offer and is a great way for the community to get involved; learn more about the history and significance of the borough; and nominate local heritage assets, to allow the recognition and protection they deserve.”

Anyone can nominate a structure on the Greater Manchester Local Heritage List Project website or by contacting GMAAS directly.

People can go to Chadderton or Failsworth libraries where there is a small exhibition about the project running as part of the Oldham Histories Festival until September 19.