02/07/2008 00:13:00
The public have been invited to express their opinions on the future of ancient tourist attraction Stonehenge.
According to the BBC, a three-month consultation period will allow people to give feedback on the location of proposed visitor facilities and nearby roads. Renee Fok, the spokesman for English Heritage Corporate Communications, told the BBC that global interest in the site meant that the public deserved to have a say in its future.
A public inquiry was set up in 2004 to look at ways of improving traffic flow around Stonehenge in the south west of England, but government plans to build a tunnel were scrapped in December last year following spiralling costs. Now public approval is being sought on alternative options to improve the visitor experience of the world-famous attraction.
The consultation period will begin in mid-July. Ms Fok added that the consultation was crucial at this time as English Heritage expects that people travelling to England for 2012 Olympics in London will visit famous tourist sites like Stonehenge during their stay.
The Stonehenge plans in question will be on display at Antrobus House, Amesbury; the Society of Antiquaries, London and Wyndham House, Sailsbury for the public to peruse.
Thousands of revellers flocked to Stonehenge for the summer solstice in June - the one day of the year that tourists are allowed access throughout the night. The stone circle is one of Britian's most popular tourist attractions and draws more than 750,000 visitors a year.