Perilous Times, False Religions, False gods
Pagan Shrine Stonehenge gets millions for major makeover
The Associated Press
Thursday, November 18, 2010; 9:45 PM
LONDON -- Stonehenge is getting a multimillion-pound (-dollar) grant
that conservators say will help restore some dignity to a World
Heritage site blighted by busy roads and cramped facilities.
English Heritage said Friday that it now has about two-thirds of the
money it needs to revamp the area around the prehistoric circle of
stones, although the group acknowledged the improvements probably
wouldn't come in time for the 2012 Olympic Games, when hordes of
tourists are expected to descend on the site.
Built between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge is one of the
world's most recognizable sites. But the monument's vista is blighted
by two busy roads, one of which runs right by it.
Stonehenge's visitor center is also inadequate, with vehicle traffic
spilling out onto the grassy area nearby during peak periods. There's
only one outdoor refreshment kiosk to serve the nearly 1 million
visitors who see the site every year.
A 25 million-pound ($40 million) plan to redo the site was derailed
when the cash-strapped British government moved to curtail public
spending earlier this year, but English Heritage continues to seek
money from other sources.
Friday's 10 million-pound grant is being awarded by the Heritage
Lottery Foundation, which uses money raised through the national
lottery to refurbish museums, parks and archaeological areas.
English Heritage spokeswoman Renee Fok says the cash, plus other money,
puts the group two thirds of the way to its goal.
---
Online:
http://www.stonehengevisitorcentre.org