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A growing number of tourism and historical experts and politicians are calling for what is known in Herefordshire as the Rotherwas cul-de-sac to be halted and the Rotherwas Ribbon preserved.
Chair of Stonehenge and Salisbury Tourism Partnership Mary Webb, said Salisbury District Council would never dream of taking a quick decision to concrete over a monument like the Rotherwas Ribbon.
"I am more than willing to use my experience in Salisbury to help form a partnership of Herefordshire private businesses to speak as one voice to Herefordshire Council. Salisbury District Council recognise and support the value of tourism to the region. Herefordshire Council now needs to stand back and review with all the interested parties."
Former County Archaeologist, Ron Shoesmith, said: "The Rotherwas Ribbon is described as of world-wide importance. Is Herefordshire Council's road of such critical importance to the nation that this monument should be sacrificed? Come in English Heritage and do your stuff – it fits all the scheduling criteria!
Nigel Swift, Chair of the UK-wide group Heritage Action, said: “We are appalled. Our immediate reaction is that this isn't a matter for local politics but should be out in the open. The Ribbon would appear to be a prime candidate to be scheduled by English Heritage. Until there is a clear understanding about this the road must be halted.”
Bob Widdowson, Chair of Herefordshire Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE), said: "I am bemused by the plan to 'preserve' the site beneath the road. How comforting to know that this extraordinary find is there but no one can see it until a more enlightened generation tears up the road! A site of 4000 years and apparently of major international importance is to be preserved (buried) so that a road that most sensible people agree is in the wrong place and not needed can be finished 'on time'."
Ward councillor Gerald Dawe said: "English Heritage must consider what is the best way to preserve the Serpent regardless of the road, which is immaterial. We are concerned that there is no pressure put on English Heritage by a council determined to build a cul-de-sac for which there is no economic case."
http://www.24dash.com/news/2/23936/index.htm
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