Re: Developments at Avebury | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Avebury 222

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Developments at Avebury

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Sanctuary Feb 17, 2011 09:56:29

Replying to Littlestone

Littlestone wrote:

So, what (if any) are acceptable developments at Avebury? .

Okay, so the topic is open again. Good.

First and foremost in my mind with regard to development is of course the preservation of the WHS itself. Can we class the re-erection of stones as development...yes I believe we can, so that would be top of my list to bring the henge back as far as possible to its former self.
But running parallel with that would be a greater influx of people visiting Avebury to see these developments so they have to be catered for.
If there are not enough facilities to cope, i.e. toilets, food outlets, car parking, anything...then get on and provide them, but in a controlled and sympathetic way taking into consideration the historic value of the site and the people who actually live there. This is not just a place to visit because by doing so we are intruding into other peoples lives.
Love it or loathe it H&S and equal rights will play a part. Each and every one of us know or have someone who is old/disabled/young who could benefit from a few safety improvements or additions. The road crossing need serious addressing before someone is seriously injured or killed and more provision must be given to the disabled. A simple trackway for wheelchairs around the henge would brighten the lives of many many people who are missing out on so much that we all take for granted. There is so much more that could be done to enhance everybodies enjoyment of what our fantastic great ancestors have bequeathed us.

nigelswift Feb 17, 2011 10:25:53

Replying to Sanctuary

First, let's establish some principles to guide us. Number one is that developments should be judged by whether they mainly benefit the WHS or the applicant.

There isn't another.

Judged like that, a lot of recent and pending developments should be opposed. Including anything by NT. They're over-dominant. It ain't their WHS. They have 2 museums, a shop, a cafe and now they want to add another retail outlet to take a further share of the tourist pound from the other outlets in the village (who have to pay them rent).

The principal motivation for the new outlet is to make money for NT (and it won't make much judging by how they run tea rooms elsewhere), not to enhance Avebury so it's a definite no-no.

So there.

PS
90% of what's need in Avebury is a 15 mph speed limit and speed bumps. Anyone who opposes that doesn't truly have the public interest at heart.

So there again.

Littlestone Feb 17, 2011 10:31:23

Replying to Sanctuary

Well said, think I agree with everything there. This bit though rings very true -

A simple trackway for wheelchairs around the henge would brighten the lives of many many people who are missing out on so much that we all take for granted. There is so much more that could be done to enhance everybodies enjoyment of what our fantastic great ancestors have bequeathed us.

Yup, we’re so often not allowed, or can’t, ‘get up close’ but provided no harm is done to an object or site that provision should be encouraged.

There was a sculpture exhibition at the British Museum some years ago called Please Touch. In a world where we’re so often told not to touch this was a refreshing change... the exhibition was principally for the visually impaired.