THERE are only a few days left for people in Hartlepool to put forward their suggestions for which of the town's buildings should be included on a special list.

About 200 listed buildings throughout the borough are acknowledged as being of national importance, but at the moment there is no recognition of buildings which are significant locally.

Although the buildings which appear on the new local list will not have the same protection as those recognised nationally, it will provide an additional safeguard to help preserve them for the future.

As well as buildings, people can nominate pillar boxes, landscapes and gardens, memorials and other structures.

Nominations are also welcome if they are connected with a locally significant architect or historical figure. The closing date for nominations is January 31.

Sarah Scarr, Hartlepool Borough Council’s landscape planning and conservation manager, said: "This is an important opportunity to provide some recognition and protection for buildings, structures and landscapes which have significance to Hartlepool, so I hope as many people as possible will come forward with their nominations."

Nominations ca be submitted by calling Sarah Scarr on 01429-523275 or by visiting hartlepool.gov.uk/locallylistedbuildings