A LIST of buildings to be preserved in and around Stourport has been given the seal of approval by councillors.

The list features 311 structures - including a mid-19th century public house, Georgian postbox, cast iron bridge and bandstand - which have been safeguarded in a bid to protect the history and architecture of the town.

The Stourport Local List was finalised following public consultation in March, when residents were given the chance to air their views and how they might feel if their properties were identified as being of local interest.

The structures and buildings are those considered important by Wyre Forest District Council but not included on the statutory list, recognised by the Government as being of national importance.

It is the second list compiled by the authority. The first covered Kidderminster and was adopted in October, 2004. Future surveys will focus on Bewdley and the rural areas of the district. The lists will be reviewed every five years.

Residents whose properties appear on the list were told during the consultation period that while there were no changes to permitted development rights where planning permission was not normally needed, works to a local listed building would be carefully considered by councillors. If the proposal included plans for any actions that might end with the demolition or significant alteration of the building, it could be refused.

Stourport Carpet Warehouse, in Mitton Street and Areley Old School, in Abberley Avenue were among the buildings cited as of specific interest to the area when the councillors approved the list at the council's prosperity policy meeting on Wednesday last week.

Anyone interested in seeing Stourport's Local List can go to www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk