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| Stone Formation Archive 1985 |
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 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 January 24, 1985 PLANS to build a fullscale replica of Stonehenge within sight of the monument were ruled out last Thursday. English Heritage chairman Lord Montagu welcomed a study group report on the future of the stone circles. It says a replica would compete with the actual monument. The group favours building a new tourist centre, catering for up to one million visitors a year, some distance from the site. And it says part of the A344 road should be closed to reunite Stonehenge with ancient paths leading to the monument. Last April Lord Montagu announced that a working party would look into ways of protecting the 4,000-year-old monument from wear and tear caused by the pounding feet of 600,000 visitors every year. The report (published last Thursday) criticises the "woefully inadequate" facilities for tourists at Stonehenge. "They provide for virtually no explanation and interpretation of the monument and there is inadequate space for the sale of guidebooks and souvenirs," it says. The study group considered eight possible sites for a visitor centre, and eventually chose Larkhill West, nearly a mile north of Stonehenge. "The walk from there offers the most beautiful and exciting views of Stonehenge and it would take visitors along the general direction of the Avenue, the route which those approaching Stonehenge took thousands of years ago," Lord Montagu explained. The study group says the visitor centre would have to have sufficient parking space for 1,000 cars and 40 coaches. Lord Montagu said scale models of the stone circles would have a part to play in the visitors' interpretation centre, which would explain Stonehenge's history. "We strongly favour closing the A344, which would enhance the setting of Stonehenge and its surrounding archaeological landscape," said Lord Montagu. The report says the road is noisy and distracting and tempts visitors to view the monument from a car only. The road also cuts across the ancient ceremonial pathway, the Avenue, which would be restored if the road were closed. But the report recognises opposition to the road closure proposal from people living nearby who use the A344 as a quiet country route between Amesbury and outlying villages,Tilshead, Shrewton and Chitterne. Estimated costs of the proposals range from £2.45m to £6m. The reports says it seems likely that a visitor centre could attract substantial private investment. Lord Montagu said he welcomed comments from those living near Stonehenge. He intends to discuss the plans with local people before English Heritage takes a final decision on the monumentÕs future in three months time. Back to 1985 index |
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