t-against-coronavirus-pgqcp0ggs”>letter in the Times:
Sir, The decision to tunnel under Stonehenge is a tragedy. Apart from the damage to the landscape and archaeology, the tunnel will deprive millions of drivers of one of the most exhilarating views in England, that of the great henge rising into view over the Wiltshire downs. It is being done for the benefit of paying users of English Heritage’s visitor centre, to whom Stonehenge will effectively be confined. To them the quality of the site may marginally improve, though many find the distant cars a piquant contrast. The site itself is largely of scenic interest.
The decision is being taken not by an environment or heritage minister but by a transport secretary to ease traffic, against the advice of the planning inspectorate. Traffic can be eased by making the existing road one-way and building a reverse carriageway downhill, at a fraction of the cost. As it is, interest in the nation’s prehistory will wane as, in the long run, will visitors to Stonehenge.
A piquant contrast? A permanent traffic jam 100 yards away? This is so ridiculous – as indeed one would expect from Jenkins – that my conviction has hardened. Yes, build the tunnel!
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