Access denied

Avebury 222

Image by texlahoma

scousemaiden Nov 22, 2005 10:48:48

Don't know if this has already been posted, but did you know the NT have closed one of the gates off at Avebury to deny access to the henge. It hasn't been done for errosion damage its been done "because its too dangerous for the public to use". Its never been deemed dangerous before. We've raised it with them at the ASSF meetings but any support would be welcome.
Scousemaiden xxx

Ishmael Nov 22, 2005 11:23:30

Replying to scousemaiden

I take it you mean the gate in the north entrance?
This has been closed for a long time now. At first it was for erosion control.
It is a dangerous entrance and several people have had near misses with traffic on the bend.
No one has crashed into the Diamond stone since people stopped crossing at that point.
I think they should put in a gate opposite the cove for easier access but the paperwork for a new gate is horrendous.
Any news on the proposed camp site yet?

Littlestone Nov 22, 2005 11:37:53

Replying to scousemaiden

Noticed while I was there last week that two (at least) of the gateposts now have signs on them reading, 'No climbing on the stones. No cycling'. Found the 'No cycling' hypocritical to say the least given that mountain bikes were shown going up and down the ditches in the recent <b>Walk away and I stumble</b> drama on TV - that filming presumably being with the National Trust's consent. Seems like the NT are unable to link the showing of mountain bikes in a TV drama with the fact such a showing might encourage the activity - another example of mindless bureaucracy at work.

A friend has written to the NT about the use of mountain bikes in the TV drama but a public statement from them that they got it <i>very</i> wrong on that occasion seems to be in order.