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Thank you for email of 29 August to the Secretary of State expressing concern about the condition of the above site, and questioning why English Heritage is taking no action following an alleged act of trespass earlier this year. I have been asked to reply. I am sorry you have not received a response before now.
We are, of course, aware of the importance of this site and the UK Government takes its responsibilities for the country's World Heritage Sites very seriously.
As I am sure you are aware, the current situation has been caused by the collapse of an exploratory shaft dug in 1776-7, leaving a hole in the top of the Hill, which was immediately covered with scaffolding while English Heritage's engineers spent the summer of 2000 carrying out exploratory
excavations which will help them draw up a programme of remedial works. Matters were made worse by a further collapse of the shaft and the scaffolding covering the hole. The hole is now too wide and unstable to cover with scaffolding.
The problem is that we have no idea of the depth of the shaft that has collapsed, and we suspect that there are other shafts which could collapse in future. Work is not being delayed because of funding difficulties; this is a complicated issue and it is vitally important for the integrity of the monument that the correct steps are taken. Until the exact size and position of these shafts is known, repair work cannot be undertaken in case this further destabilises the Hill. In order to assess the situation properly, English Heritage have asked Cementation Skanska, a leading international company, to undertake a seismic survey of Silbury Hill. Once this is complete, they will have a better idea of where any future problems might arise, enabling them to take preventative action.
Until the extent and nature of the problem at Silbury Hill has been properly assessed and an acceptable solution has been identified and costed, it is difficult to judge to what extent the repairs to this monument will necessitate the provision of additional resources. I can assure you, however, that this Department will be working closely with English Heritage to find an appropriate and practicable solution that can be implemented as quickly as possible.
With regard to the alleged act of trespass you mention in your letter, we understand from speaking to English Heritage that unfortunately there is insufficient evidence to pursue a prosecution.
Yours sincerely,
Paul McCormack
Listing, Archaeology and World Heritage Branch
Something is not right. This message is just to keep things from messing up down the road