3 replies to this topic

[Nigel]

We believe the UK government's decision on the proposed major changes to Stonehenge are now extremely imminent. It may be to give the scheme the final go-ahead or (as we have heard) to shelve the scheme for now (but not forever).

Either way, we think it is vital that as many people as possible understand exactly what it entails and why it is that a very large number of archaeological and heritage bodies are totally opposed to the plans.

Accordingly, Heritage Action has put together what we trust is a simple, factual and honest summary of the situation and an outline of exactly what is at stake. We hope lots of people will take the trouble to read it and form their own opinions. In the words of Lord and Lady Kennet, leaders of the Stonehenge Alliance, “these plans are deeply wrong, and objected to by most of the relevant, well-informed, bodies”.

http://www.heritagea...erts_stonehenge

[Anew]

I have signed the petition

[Bettina]

Signed as well.
Same story at Tara.

[barrowman]

But what is the solution? Stonehenge is now receiving over 3/4 million vistors per year. The current facilities were never meant to deal with such numbers and are grossly inadequate. Indeed were a serious  emergency ever to happen up there on a busy day, I would say the site could actually become dangerous--people would bottleneck in the tunnel and the inadequate gates. Safety aside, there is  nothing other than the audio guides to give anyone a further understanding of the site, no displays or a small selection of finds.
As for the roads, the a303 is dangerous and constantly blocked solid by traffic in busy months. The small road running by the monument is even worse,as tourists barge over to the fence  without looking right or left. (There have been some very nasty accidents and even fatalities there.)
   I am not sure myseklf about the tunnel proposals, but a new visitor centre is definitely needed,even if only rebuilt  on the same spot.
I remember the first time I saw Newgrange in '91--stood on a little road by a little green ticket box, waiting in line to go in. The next time I went there was a very pleasant visitors centre a mile or so away,and we were taken to the monument by mini bus. It was less hectic and chaotic and seemed to work quite well...