End of the road?

The Thornborough Henges 71

Image by Moth

BrigantesNation Jan 17, 2007 14:30:24

By the looks of things the Thorborough campaign is coming to a pretty swift end. With the granting of the planning application yesterday, NYCC paved the way for Thornborough to become a fully fledged Preferred Area for Quarrying, and there are now four proposals by two quarry companies to quarry around 400 acres over the next 10-20 years.

Obviously these planning applications will have to be approved when the time comes, but I reckon Preferred Area status is now just a formality and with it most of the obstacles have been removed.

As I understand it, should Thornborough fail to become a significant tourism destination, even Thornborough Moor, the land that surrounds the henges will ultimately be open to quarrying.

Shame, I tried, I failed.

StoneLifter Jan 17, 2007 15:04:00

Replying to BrigantesNation

You can't push the river ...

fitzcoraldo Jan 17, 2007 15:12:41

Replying to BrigantesNation

I know it’s difficult not to be downhearted George but you took the issue from being a little known local protest to a national campaign, and for that you deserve our thanks and admiration. You may not have saved the landscape around the henges but the likes of Anthony Harding, yourself and a few other noble folk have ensured that these northern monuments have been placed firmly on the map as one of the prehistoric wonders of Britain.
I know it’s pretty grim but at least this landscape will be professionally excavated and recorded before it is destroyed, unlike the countless Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites situated on the bed of the North Sea which are currently being destroyed on a daily basis by gravel dredgers, unseen and unrecorded. All to fuel the unstoppable construction frenzy that is occurring all over our islands.
Good on ya George.

moss Jan 17, 2007 16:51:10

Replying to BrigantesNation

You fought a long and hard battle, you made prehistoric heritage count, I think you should be proud of yourself. As for the quarrying company success, maybe its an empty victory, trading in an important world site as the Thornborough Henges for a few more miserable pounds in the bank.
Moss

Littlestone Jan 17, 2007 17:10:37

Replying to BrigantesNation

This is really depressing news; and it's not just Thornborough and other ancient sites - it's everywhere, forest and field all falling under the axe of global greed. Damn it I'll stop before I start swearing.

Well done George, and perhaps StoneLifter is right when he says, 'it's not over 'til it's over'.

Rockrich Jan 17, 2007 18:22:27

Replying to BrigantesNation

You're too hard on yourself George! As many have pointed out, you waged war against a company with as much financial clout as a small country & won. You've not failed, the council have failed for the sake of a few £m & several jobs.

At least the company & CC can sleep knowing they’ve kept the supply chain for B&Qs gravel bags going....... what idiots they truly are!!!!

Cursuswalker Jan 19, 2007 17:50:21

Replying to BrigantesNation

Just remind me of the list of bad guys again?

I'll put them on my personal scum list until further notice...

Pilgrim Jan 19, 2007 21:05:37

Replying to BrigantesNation

You tried, George. At least you tried. 10 000 people talked, but it couldn't compete with the tumultuous ringing of cash tills. We know you tried, and are thankful for all your efforts. Try not to be disheartened, and be proud of your achievements. Perhaps it's the system that needs changing; not the local representation - and that is definitely beyond the work of one man!

Be Well

Peace

Pilgrim

The Eternal Jan 19, 2007 22:29:06

Replying to BrigantesNation

BrigantesNation,
At least you tried, which most people didn't. It's a sad, greedy world, even under a so-called Labour government. Like they say, "Money rules, UK."
Never stop trying,
TE.