New survey shows citizens of the world slam proposed Stonehenge road scheme

NEWS RELEASE: FRIDAY 22 OCTOBER 2004: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [1]

A new survey by the Save Stonehenge! [2] campaign group suggests there is overwhelming international opposition to the British government's plans to construct a new section of dual-carriageway (four-lane highway), only partly in a tunnel, through the world famous heritage Site[3].

Since 1999, Save Stonehenge! has been publicizing the issue through a popular website, which includes an interactive message board where readers can post their own views about the scheme[4]. Between March 2001 and October 2004, readers from 18 countries have left over 300 written comments about the proposed highway upgrade. Only 12 of those comments have supported the government's plan; the remaining 298 oppose it. Around 60% of the comments came from outside the UK[5].

Most of the comments express anger, shock, shame, and outrage. Almost all call for the British government to explore other solutions that do not involve damaging road construction inside the World Heritage Site[3]. The comments include:

Willow (Australia): “It's a magical site not only to the people of your country but to the world in a whole. Don't live for the dollar. Wake up before it's too late.”

Carmit (Israel): “I find it hard to believe that Govenment officials can be so thoughtless and inconsiderate of their own heritage. .”

Andrea (USA): “UK Government, spend the $$$ and change the plan. You dont know what you've lost until it is gone.”

Doucet (USA): “ It almost brings me to tears to think there is such a lack of caring about such an important place in the world, some just don't realise how important.”

Noelle (USA): “This is sick. Building a HIGHWAY through the park?! Are they insane?”

Lorena (France): “I hear a road or tunnel is going to be built around this beautiful natural landscape; what more harm can be done to desecrate what has been considered as one of England's most powerful landmarks? Some people need to have their heads examined...”

According to Chris Woodford of Save Stonehenge!:

"Stonehenge is not just a World Heritage Site, it is a world icon. People throughout the world revere and respect this place. We believe Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is considering giving the green light to a road scheme that will bulldoze a new, four-lane highway right through the middle of it. If he does so, as our survey very clearly shows, he will experience the full force of international outrage and concerted opposition every step of the way."

Contacts:

Please see our press page.

Notes to editors

1. An electronic version of this news release is available at http://www.savestonehenge.org.uk/ssnr221004.html

2. Save Stonehenge! was established in March 1999 to fight plans to upgrade the A303 road to a dual carriageway through the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.

3. A public inquiry into the scheme was held between February and May this year. A report of that inquiry has been submitted to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling and a decision on the fate of Stonehenge is expected later this year.

4. The Message board is at http://www.savestonehenge.org.uk/yoursay.html

5. The survey results are as follows:
   Country Comments Percentage
   UK 127 ~41%
   USA 122 ~39%
   Canada 28 ~9%
   Australia 15 ~5%
   Ireland 6 ~2%
   France 3 ~1%
   New Zealand 3 ~1%
   Netherlands 2 ~1%
   Germany 1 ~0%
   Switzerland 1 ~0%
   Italy 1 ~0%
   Brazil 1 ~0%
   Austria 1 ~0%
   India 1 ~0%
   Spain 1 ~0%
   South America 1 ~0%
   Sweden 1 ~0%
   Israel 1 ~0%
   Total: 310 100%
   Supporting road: 12
   Opposing road: 298