|
 |
|
|
| Stone Formation Archive 1995 |
|
 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 June 19 1995 Wiltshire police are using special new powers to protect Stonehenge - one of Britain's oldest and most famous landmarks - during the build up to the summer solstice on Wednesday. The powers were first used at the end of last month when police patrolled the area to prevent protesters marking the 10th anniversary of the Battle of the Beanfield - the notorious clash between travellers and police. Home Secretary Michael Howard granted an order to the police, through Salisbury District council, to stop mass trespass within four miles of the monument from midnight on Saturday to Wednesday. The aim is to try to ensure that violent scenes at the monument ten years ago are not repeated. It was in 1985 that police clashed with New Age travellers who arrived at Stonehenge in convoys of vehicle saying they were going to stage a pop festival. English Heritage had banned such an event, and a violent confrontation took place between police and travellers who set up camp in a nearby beanfield - hence Battle of the Beanfield. Home Office Minister David Maclean said: 'Stonehenge draws admirers from all parts of the world and must be kept safe from damage. ÒWe have taken steps in the Criminal Justice Act to ensure the protection of our ancient monuments, and it is fitting this power is used for the first time to safeguard what is perhaps our most famous.' Civil Rights campaigners have claimed the Order contravenes articles in the European Convention of Human Rights. It gives police the power to stop people or vehicles within the given radius if it is believed they intend to defy the Order. It is now an offence not to obey police instructions. Back to 1995 index |
|
