Strong public response as heritage restoration fund attracts over 600 votes

A heritage restoration fund building on the successes of the city's Centenary has received more than 600 votes.

The responses – received as part of over 200 separate submissions – include both pre-listed and publicly nominated sites. ­

The strong public response has backed plans to protect small but important heritage monuments.

Votes came from individuals as well as organised groups, reflecting broad interest in protecting visible heritage sites in neighbourhoods across the city.

The submissions included statues, memorials, tombs, fountains, murals, railings, gates and other historic features that contribute to the character and identity of local communities.

The fund is supported by a £240,252 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered in partnership with Re-Form Heritage.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We’re grateful for the level of engagement from people across all parts of the city. 

"We now have a real opportunity to turn that public support into visible action. 

"We’re working with Re-form Heritage to carefully assess the nominations against clear criteria to identify projects we can deliver within the funding available.

"The aim is simple, visible improvements that protect and celebrate the features that make each of our towns distinctive.”

All submissions are now being reviewed against criteria including historic significance, condition, deliverability, value for money, accessibility, visibility, and long-term community benefit.

The project team has been analysing people’s responses to ensure that both votes for pre-listed sites and nominations are reflected in the final list of sites to be repaired.

Inês Jorge, Centenary Restoration Fund Officer at Re-Form Heritage, said: “We’ve been amazed by the incredible range of responses.

“It’s clear that the people of Stoke-on-Trent care deeply about the monuments that shape their neighbourhoods, and we’re committed to ensuring that both votes and nominations are reflected the final selection of sites to be repaired.

“This selection will underpin an activity programme that invites communities to help care for the heritage landmarks in their neighbourhoods and to share the stories and personal connections that make these monuments so meaningful.”

A shortlist of proposed restoration projects will be announced in the coming weeks.