How can a decision on the future of the "Ribbon" be made before it's been fully investigated??

Indeed, but that's the basis the Council's cabinet will decide next week, aided by EH's decision not to schedule it on the same basis.

There's a council update here, dated 7 August. http://www.smr.herefordshire.gov.uk/news_events2/RotherwasNews2.htm#7thAugust
Even that seems to have difficulty concealing the fact it goes a long way and is very, very special. Looks like it may be earlier than Bronze Age too. hey're asking for people to contact them with parallels as they don't have any -which says it all really.