|
 |
|
|
| Stone Formation Archive 1991 |
|
 Stone Formations news, views, gallery and archive brought to you by Weird Wiltshire Introduction Latest News News Archive Stonehenge Stonehenge Project Stonehenge 360 Avebury Saviours Stones Village Solstice Wayland Smithy Long Barrow Woodhenge Gallery Summer Solstice Gallery 2002 Summer Solstice Gallery 2004 Postcards Wallpaper Links  |
First Published on May 5 1991 A £10 million scheme to create an 'archaeological park' around Stonehenge was announced yesterday. The plan, which is likely to lead to a public inquiry, involves the closure of the A344 which passes alongside the Wiltshire monument and the creation of a new visitors' centre with car parking at nearby Larkhill. Visitors will be able to wander across National Trust land as they walk towards the stones. 'Visitors from all over the world will at last be able to appreciate the sense of awe and majesty Stonehenge conveys,' said Lord Montagu, chairman of English Heritage. A joint outline planning application for the scheme has been submitted to Salisbury Council by English Heritage and the National Trust who own the land surrounding Stonehenge. The monument is designated a World Heritage Site and Lord Montagu said the present conditions there 'were deplorable.' There are fears that approval of the scheme would lead to Druids and hippies gathering at the stones to celebrate the summer solstice. In past years there have been violent clashes between police and hippies. English Heritage said that although the proposals do not deal directly with the issue of unauthorised festivals, the planned removal of the existing car park and road alongside the site would enable it to be managed as an entity. Stonehenge, which is visited by a million tourists and earns English Heritage £500,000 a year, is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the country. Lord Montagu said the scheme would unite and return the stones to the surrounding landscape. English Heritage and National Trust said that at present there were problems with heavy traffic passing the stones and a dangerous junction where the A344 connects with the A303. The car park is also congested and visitors have to use a concrete pedestrian underpass to gain access. The application, covering 1,400 acres, would involve the building of a visitors' centre on Ministry of Defence land at Larkhill, with a new access road, and the grassing over of the A344 and the present car park. Back to 1991 index |
|
