Teamwork 'can preserve the past'

(First Edition)

ROBERT KEY, the Minister for National Heritage, yesterday called for local authorities and developers to work together to preserve medieval Europe.

His comments were reported to the first international conference on medieval Europe in York, attended by more than 700 delegates from around the world. Bad weather prevented Mr Key's helicoptor from arriving at the University of York in time for the conference, so his speech was read to delegates by Harry Knottley, head of the archaeology department of National Heritage.

He urged co-operation between local councils and developers to ensure the needs of archaeology are properly taken account of during planning. 'Early talks reduce uncertainty and avoid abortive costs of redesign, delays and public pressure against the development if the site turns out to be important,' he said.