An 'achievABLE STONEHENGE' is surely only possible if a charter can be raised that attracts the widest possible support. Instead of working our way down from what we each really want, a process that was bogging down on another thread, I suggest going for something we can all support immediately without qualms or arguments. This will not just save time and prevent petty arguments over detail, but give us something we can take forward now.
To find an achievable consensus I suggest as a first step that we align our initial aims with the range of first steps outlined by the Stonehenge Alliance that they suggested would be interim solutions whilst Stonehenge as a project is looked at again as a whole. Let us not overlook that the Stonehenge Alliance has a wealth of experience in the negotiations that have taken place to date and its aims are supported by The Ancient Sacred Landscape Network, The Campaign to Protect Rural England, The Friends of the Earth, RESCUE: The British Archaeological Trust, The Pagan Federation, and Transport 2000. Proposals by SA therefore have an existing known consensus that has widespread support.
I am not suggesting hijacking their ideas, but reducing our first step to an achievable goal by bringing it in line with what SA have long thought through.
An interim solution aligned alongside that of the SA would involve closure of the A344 to through traffic by closure of the A344 - A303 junction, removal of the tarmac and concrete from that junction as far as the western end of the present visitors' car park (SA have not proposed concrete removal just grassing-over the 344), retention of the present visitor-centre for the short term whilst removing the present pedestrian tunnel (SA have I think proposed abandonment of the tunnel).
I see this as a simple step, the next goal could for example be the removal of the present reception together perhaps with the webbing and grassing of the car park and remaining area of 344.
The goal after that – well, little by little how far can we take this thing ?
But just look at the benefits the site would gain by the first steps above, this is surely worth a go !
VBB
