The back of town is an historical treasure which could vie for world heritage status if given the right attention says the National Trust's Edith Martin.

The chairwoman of the group's Environmental Committee called for investment to turn North East Hamilton into a tourist magnet to rival St. George's.

And her call received backing from Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson.

He told a meeting at the Leopard's Club on Thursday, at which the pair spoke: "I could not agree with Mrs. Martin more. One of the things we need to do is reinvest in things we have already invested in.'' Mrs. Martin said: "There is a fabulous resource in North East Hamilton of our Bermudian heritage and culture.

"There are six listed historical buildings and more than 40 other buildings of historical value.

"Unlike the historical buildings in the rest of Hamilton, these ones are mostly residential making the area unique from an architectural perspective.

"If this neighbourhood was fixed up in such a way that these buildings were given the care they need it would start to generate local interest and investment in the back of town.

"This in turn could lead to interest in the area as a resource for cultural and architectural tourism. We already have the local merchants and the lively (sometimes too lively) nightlife.

"With the town of St. George's vying for World Heritage Status there could be an opportunity to market both North East Hamilton and St. George's as historical treasures. "To make it work we need the support of Government and the City of Hamilton. "We need to develop a proper strategy for the area and spend the dollars to rebuild properly.'' She said the back of town had to play an important role in the sustainable development of Bermuda by rebuilding and revitalising rather than building on green field sites.

She explained: "I think it's possible to rejuvenate North East Hamilton in such a way that people will want to live there again, tourists will want to frequent the area, and that it will be a source of pride for all Bermudians.

"Not only is this important for the people who live in the area but it is important if we are going to relieve some of the pressure to build on open spaces we have outside the city.

"Many Bermudians tend to see the back of town as a liability. They see it as rundown and unsafe.'' "But this is a very limited view of the area.'' Mrs. Martin, who has family roots in the area, said: "We need to recognise the opportunity that exists in this area.

"Today, there are social problems, vagrancy, crime and a shrinking residential population. But the community still holds a unique cultural identity.'' CLUB CLB