Stonehenge tunnel dumped
12:55pm Thursday 6th December 2007
Comments (3)GOVERNMENT ministers are today scrapping plans for the proposed £540m road improvement scheme at Stonehenge, which would have included a controversial 2.1km bored tunnel.
The news has been greeted with disappointment from English Heritage but joy from environmental groups.
English Heritage issued a statement saying it was "very disappointed" that the scheme was not going ahead and it added: "The decision signals the end of the project championed by the DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) and English Heritage over the last eight years which sought to improve both the landscape setting of Stonehenge and the visitor experience.
"The project, collectively decided upon by a range of national and regional stakeholders, was the best and most practical means by which the agreed vision for the Stonehenge World Heritage Site could have been achieved.
"However, it is encouraging that the Government recognises that improving the setting of the Stones and the visitor facilities is a priority. English Heritage will work closely with other stakeholders to look into alternative ways to achieve this."
Meanwhile the Government's decision was welcome by the Campaign for Better Transport, which said: "We've been saying for years that the plan to build a tunnel and road through the World Heritage Site would be an environmental and financial disaster.
"We're glad the Government has seen sense to drop this brutal scheme. We're pleased that the Government is considering investing in small-scale improvements, as we had recommended and hope that his means safety improvements."
Your Say YourThis Is Wiltshire
skeckersley, Warrington, Cheshire says...
12:02pm Sun 9 Dec 07
Garry Denke, Plano, Texas, USA says...
11:43pm Thu 20 Dec 07
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John B. Pope, Tisbury says...
12:34am Fri 7 Dec 07
ge is not the only stone circle in the world Carnac in Brittany has much to recommend it, for one example. Why was/is it necessary to deprive the passing wayfarer of his or her Stonhenge heritage. Why is it that our generation seems to believe that it has the answer and cure for everything? These stones have been there for thousands of years, been allowed to fall into neglect too, and had the decision been ratified to build this tunnel, one would not doubt the Henge will persist long after the proposed tunnel has caved in.
What is important is that we take good care of what is currently there. Were the routes of the roads passing the Henge first footed by those who built the place. What matters in all such situation is Conservation, not Preservation.