A more balanced report from the Swindon Evening Advertiser of Wednesday, 25 April 2007.
No parking for the Summer Solstice
VISITORS planning to go to Avebury for the Summer Solstice are being told they will not be allowed to camp overnight in the National Trust visitor car park. An enforcement notice has been served by Kennet District Council, which stops the trust allowing people to stay for the pagan ceremonies. The trust has put in a planning application to install a height barrier to prevent caravans and motorhomes gaining access. It will prevent all high-sided vehicles entering the car park all year round. Instead, people are being asked to arrive at the site by public transport.
Brendan McCarthy, the regional director for the National Trust, said that it regretted the decision but it was the only solution. "Unfortunately, there is no suitable alternative site for overnight camping this year, so we are advising people not to travel to Avebury with camper vans, motorhomes or caravans for this solstice," he said. "We are committed to ensuring access to Avebury for those who wish to worship at Solstice and other important times of the year. We are endeavouring to remedy the camping and parking facilities for future years."
On the day of the Solstice, June 20, there will only be a limited number of car parking spaces, which will be available at a charge. There will be no additional car parking for people arriving in the days before and after Solstice evening itself."
