<< Sites under Threat >> Giant Waste Processing Plant Threatens Flag Fen, Bronze Age Site
Submitted by coldrum on Sunday, 15 January 2006 Page Views: 6323
Neolithic and Bronze AgeCountry: England County: CambridgeshireInternal Links:
“It’s absolutely on top of us,” Toby Fox, who manages Flag Fen, told the 24 Hour Museum. “We are very concerned – it will affect the archaeological remains right next door.”
When Dr Francis Pryor, later a star of TV's Time Team, found a piece of timber in the ground at Fengate, Cambridgeshire in 1982, it was just the first part of a massive Bronze Age causeway that is still being unearthed. Hundreds of artefacts have since been excavated from Flag Fen and much is still excellently preserved in the damp soil.
One of the chief concerns about the proposed 29-acre waste plant is that it will absorb rainfall vital for keeping the Bronze Age fenland wet. Archaeologists are already racing against time as the fenland deteriorates and the preserving effect of mud diminishes.
“On a 30-acre site, the amount of rainfall that will hit a concrete slab and be used in the cooling towers will have a direct effect on the surrounding land,” explained Toby. “It won’t be keeping the archaeological remains wet. We’re trying desperately to protect our heritage and we feel that this will compromise that. Our main concern is the archaeology.”
The Museum of the Bronze Age at Flag Fen has lots on display, including the oldest wheel in England and other artefacts preserved in situ. However, in future, visitors could be put off by the traffic, noise, emissions and smells produced by the waste plant, which would be the largest of its type in Europe.
Toby stressed that Flag Fen is more than an archaeological site: “It’s not just ‘Come and have a look at a hole in the ground’ – there are rare fen plants, kestrels, owls and kingfishers. If the plant gets consent, it’s going to have a big impact on the wildlife.” Events held at Flag Fen, like outdoor theatre, would also have to compete with years of noisy construction.
The Global Olivine plant would use technology that would reduce the amount of rubbish (both domestic and industrial) put in landfills. Moreover, the plant would produce energy from recycled waste.
“It could be fantastic,” admitted Toby, “it’s just not in a good location.”
"We're very concerned about the new development," said Jon Pratty, Editor of the 24 Hour Museum website. "Watch this space. We'll be following up this story by getting the official picture from planners of the plant and also more local views."
Flag Fen Bronze Age Centre
Flag Fen Bronze Age Centre, The Droveway, Northey Road, Peterborough, PE6 7QJ, Cambridgeshire, England
T: 01733 313414
Open: 10.00am to 5.00pm every day including weekends. (Last admissions are at 4.00pm)
Closed: Flag Fen is closed during the Christmas Holidays
http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART29010.html
Note: Update: Flag Fen threat rejected by Peterborough council, see comment
We would like to know more about this location. Please feel free to add a brief description and any relevant information in your own language.
Wir möchten mehr über diese Stätte erfahren. Bitte zögern Sie nicht, eine kurze Beschreibung und relevante Informationen in Deutsch hinzuzufügen.
Nous aimerions en savoir encore un peu sur les lieux. S'il vous plaît n'hesitez pas à ajouter une courte description et tous les renseignements pertinents dans votre propre langue.
Quisieramos informarnos un poco más de las lugares. No dude en añadir una breve descripción y otros datos relevantes en su propio idioma.