Expert says tunnel could mean loss of ‘unique library’ near Stonehenge
CONSTRUCTION OF a tunnel past Stonehenge could spell the loss of a “unique” site which can trace the presence of people back to the last Ice Age, experts have warned.
University of Buckingham archaeologist David Jacques has claimed perfectly preserved hoofprints of wild cattle known as aurochs have recently been found at excavations a mile and a half from the famous stone circle in Wiltshire.
The 6,000-year-old hoofprints, preserved in what appears to be a ritualistic manner, are the latest in a wealth of finds in a decadelong dig at Blick Mead.
But the tunnel, and a flyover close to the Blick Mead excavations which could also form part of the roadworks to improve the A303, could irrevocably damage the site, he said.
Prof Jacques maintained there was a real potential that human footprints could be discovered at the site, which has previously revealed a home and signs of feasting and other human settlement at the spot.
“This is the only site in Great Britain where there is evidence that people have been living there from just after the end of the Ice Age to now. Essentially the place is like a national archive for organic material which are like documents. It would be like destroying a unique library,” he said.
The Government has backed plans to put the A303 into a tunnel as it passes the neolithic stone circle to ease congestion and improve Stonehenge’s setting.
Highways England’s project manager, David Bullock, confirmed a public consulation will begin on Thursday, and “feedback from all interested parties” is welcome.
He said: “This will help us to make sure we have got the best scheme, or highlight where we still need to make changes, before we make our application to build the scheme.”