" I honestly thought that (tunnelling) would be welcomed by all and was dismayed to see immediate hostility and opposition to it."
That's because as you state you - " have no specialist knowledge"
"I can only form my opinion from what I read." With respect that cannot have been much up until recently, beacuse EH didn't pass anything on until the BA articles, and they would not have done that had they not been commissioned.
Now thanks to the campaign that has gained the meeting, there is also comprehensive material on the EH website albeit it is like the BA articles - spun.
"Perhaps HA has sought expert opinion from elsewhere and have got a better practical solution to offer. "
The great British public consists of experts from all walks of life, many of whom have an interest in history/heritage, but they can't apply their knowledge to a problem unless they know about it that is why some of us have spent five years arguing for transparent public information. Elsewhere you alluded to me and others as amateurs, but you overlook that we are also professionals. Some are academics, some engineers, other surveyors. One of the people you address is directly involved with Silbury but through attempting to keep their pension and future employment can't say who they are; the fact they are keen for the public to have more information and have a say should tell you something !
"In reality I fear that you will be patronised and at best may modify their scheme"
There is every chance of the first and no chance of the second.
"at worst you will delay the start of remedial work perhaps beyond the point of Silbury's stability"
EH don't stop their plans to consider the public ! Tenders are going out as I type if not in the post already and work will not start until a scheme's details are agreed and suitable weather arrives. As for Silbury's stability, there are no concerns there.
" My over riding concern is that more talk will mean more delay "
Even if it did, this is democracy attempting a foothold - besides there will be no delay.
"No point in going on and on,"
something we can at least agree on.
We at long last have some information on the website and a meeting - other than making sure enough interested parties attend and the right questions are asked I don't think there is much more to be said. other than - anyone travelling on Friday and staying over who wants to meet for a quiet beer don't make it the Bear as EH VIPs will be staying there.
VBB
