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Guernsey Cairn Could Be Lost


An important archaeological site could be lost because of a row between the owner and the Environment Department.

Remains dating from 4000 to 2000 BC are evident in a courtyard surrounded by the Swan Inn, Bank of Bermuda and accountants Lince Salisbury. They are threatened even though the owner wants to preserve them as part of a new development. When accountant Michael Fattorini bought the site three years ago, it had permission for an office development. But site investigations uncovered a unique stone cairn.
He then shelved the plans to expand his office into the site and proposed a car park with public viewing and access for academics.
'I fail to understand its stance in reality. Here is someone looking to be supportive of our heritage, saying there's a site and rather than develop it I'm happy to preserve it,' said Mr Fattorini. 'The Environment Department is just saying no and giving it no support whatsoever.'
Various ideas for the project from architects Lovell Ozanne have been put forward since Mr Fattorini bought the property.
'It should have some feeling for these things. They allow the Royal Bank of Scotland and Admiral Park, all the glazed buildings, and that's fine, but we just want to preserve what's here,' he said.
'I'd like the Environment Department to acknowledge the fact there's something worth preserving and be supportive of the plans.'
The site is the only one of its type in the Channel Islands and its importance has been verified by visiting archaeologists.

More of the article
"Plans to save dig remain blocked"
by Nick Mann
in This Is Guernsey
http://www.thisisguernsey.com/code/shownewsarticle.pl?ArticleID=011853
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
1st September 2004ce

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