Rescue News 79

At an open meeting convened by RESCUE to discuss the Stonehenge Master Plan, five speakers each gave a short presentation. Kate Fielden outlined the interest and involvement of the Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society in the protection of Stonehenge from its foundation in 1853. The Society has drawn up a statement on the Master Plan, broadly welcoming its aims but expressing concerns that it does not provide a satisfactory solution to issues surrounding road traffic and visitor access to the area, and advocating that the Management Plan should be fully consulted upon and agreed with UNESCO before any substantial actions are taken. Some of the problems raised by proposed 'affordable' solutions are discussed. LD

At an open meeting convened by RESCUE to discuss the Stonehenge Master Plan, five speakers each gave a short presentation. This contribution, representing the views of individual members of the public and archaeologists, emphasises the complexity of the wider Stonehenge landscape and its archaeology, and considers the impacts of proposed road scheme options. A potential for 'double standards' to be perceived between the treatment of householder planning applications and government schemes affecting Scheduled Monuments is explained. It is urged that if any scheme is undertaken at Stonehenge, this should be the best solution to the issues and not just the cheapest or easiest. LD

At an open meeting convened by RESCUE to discuss the Stonehenge Master Plan, five speakers each gave a short presentation. During the ensuing discussion some doubts were expressed about the proposals for the visitor centre, but most of the debate centred on the proposal to dual the A303 and hide it from sight in a cut-and-cover tunnel. Despite assurances from English Heritage and the National Trust about continuing consultation, there were views expressed that the different options should be explored in public now rather than at a public enquiry by which time the possible routes will be set. At the end of the afternoon the following resolution was formatted and was passed by a substantial majority: that the long bored tunnel was the only satisfactory solution, that it should be re-costed, as a single as well as a dual carriageway, and that international funding should be sought to implement this solution. LD

Article exploring the relationship between archaeology and the 'Green' movement, examining both areas of conflict and areas where co-operation would be of mutual benefit. Describes the diversity within the Green movement and explains the interrelationships between the Green movement, archaeology and development. Archaeology has the potential to play a significant part in informing decision-making bodies with regard to sustainable development. Joining with members of the Green movement to promote Agenda 21 could also enable archaeologists to combat more effectively the misuse of archaeology in the promotion of conservation aims. LD

Article reporting on an open meeting which followed RESCUE's Annual General Meeting held in London in February 1999. Four papers explored subjects relating to the moral and ethical issues of excavating human remains. LD