Letter: English Heritage and questions of monumental responsibility
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: News of drastic cuts in expenditure on our national heritage comes at a time when English Heritage is forging ahead with a major new tourist project at Stonehenge, rumoured to be costing pounds 15m to pounds 20m.
Admittedly, the present visitor facilities are a disgrace. But a huge multi-purpose complex with parking for nearly 800 vehicles, within the World Heritage Site, is neither desirable nor necessary as an alternative, especially when it requires an entirely new access road through a mile of marvellous and archaeologically rich landscape.
Statements made in the House of Commons and in English Heritage's publicity material indicate that Stonehenge may be managed by a 'private developer' or a 'new Conservation Trust', a policy that seems to be in line with recent alarming proposals for other heritage sites. English Heritage should think again and look for a less expensive and less environmentally damaging option at Stonehenge before the public inquiry into its scheme next March.
Yours faithfully,
KATE FIELDEN
Alton Priors, Wiltshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments