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Stonehenge and its Environs

Today in parliament​….

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baza B
baza May 25, 2007 12:02:13

(....well, yesterday, actually)


Robert Key (Salisbury, Conservative): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce his decision on the A303(T) improvement scheme at Stonehenge.

Dr. Ladyman (Minister of State, Department for Transport): We are considering the findings of the inter-departmental review of the Stonehenge Improvement Scheme and alternative options. In order to understand more fully the effects of some of the options on the operation of the A303 and the local road network, it has been necessary to undertake further detailed analysis based on up-to-date traffic surveys which were undertaken last autumn. The results from this work will be considered alongside the findings of the review group to inform our decision on the way forward for this scheme which we expect to announce later in 2007.


http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070524/text/70524w0018.htm#0705258001889

N nigelswift
nigelswift May 25, 2007 13:29:00
Replying to baza

"it has been necessary to undertake further detailed analysis based on up-to-date traffic surveys which were undertaken last autumn. The results from this work will be considered alongside the findings of the review group to inform our decision on the way forward for this scheme"

Interesting wording.
We can assume the review group has said tunnel it, since that's what the government telegraphed it wanted, yet instead of simply saying go ahead they're now considering additional data on top of the review group's decision.

Could it be they're going to funk it? Frit of the fact that most heritage and archaeological bodies are dead against it?
Or because, bearing in mind the underlying economy, the spiralling cost of the Olympics and the current viciously stringent public spending review being prepared, they actually don't have a pot to piss in?

B baza
baza Jun 19, 2007 17:19:44
Replying to baza

Mr. Walter (North Dorset, Conservative): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans are in place to upgrade the A303 to a dual carriageway; and what the likely completion date is of each scheme.

Dr. Ladyman (Minister of State, Department for Transport): I have accepted the Region’s advice that priority for a start on a second strategic route in the South West should be given to either the A303 Ilminster Bypass or Stonehenge, if the current review identifies a deliverable and affordable scheme.

The A303 Ilminster Bypass is included within the 10 year forward programme which forms part of a high quality strategic route to the South West. Subject to regional funding, construction on this scheme could begin in 2014-15 with completion in 2017. The Stonehenge Report is still under review.

The remaining unimproved sections of the A303 are:

A303 Chicklade Bottom to Mere Improvement

A303 Sparkford to Ilchester and Podimore Junction Improvement

A303 Wylye to Stockton Wood Improvement.

These three schemes are in the Region’s longer-term list of priorities (beyond 2016) and are currently on hold.


http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070618/text/70618w0005.htm#07061827000184

B baza
baza Jun 22, 2007 12:17:30
Replying to baza

Robert Key (Salisbury) (Con): Today is midsummer’s day—the summer solstice. Had the Leader of the House been in my constituency this morning, celebrating the dawn of a new era at Stonehenge, he would understand why I am asking him for an urgent debate on the future of Stonehenge. It would enable us to consider the outcome of the meeting this weekend of the UNESCO world heritage committee in New Zealand, where Stonehenge is on the agenda because of the Government’s neglect of world heritage sites in this country, including the Westminster and tower of London world heritage sites. Can the debate be held not with Ministers from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who are blameless and embarrassed, or Transport Ministers, who wish the road to be upgraded, but Treasury Ministers, who have blocked progress on the project under two Governments for 21 years?

Mr. Straw (Lord Privy Seal, House of Commons): That was uncharacteristically ungenerous of the hon. Gentleman, although I understand his concern for Stonehenge, which is certainly a world heritage site, in his constituency. I gently remind him that the Government have put huge additional sums of money into the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Transport. The Conservative party, including him, voted against those additional sums.


http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmhansrd/cm070621/debtext/70621-0006.htm#07062146001021