Avebury & the Marlborough Downs forum 64 room
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Firstly the cark park which now has restrictive barriers, a) to stop high vehicles from entering, b) closure of car park overnight - it does'nt open till late on a Sunday, so parking is difficult if you arrive early.

The second is mentioned by VBB, but will disappear as its only on the front page... to quote

"This may not seem appropriate for discussion here, but stay with it : it was only a couple of years ago that the National Trust turfed the TIC out of the barn and they relocated in a caravan in the car park of the barn. Kennet District Council then gave themselves planning permission and EH gave listed and scheduled monument permission, for the TIc to move to the Five Mile Chapel. This involved a lot of digging-up of Avebury as sewage pipes and other services had to be connected, and I was one of those that objected on the basis that people would have to cross the road at a dangerous spot so would not be encouraged to use the TIC that keeps the B&B's of Avebury full all year round. Now Kennet say they are closing the TIC in Avebury as it is in a poor position and people now use the internet for the info the TIC used to administer.

As Silbury is going to be opened this year Avebury TIC will surely be busy, and is it right they dig up a WHS then two years later say they don't want the place ?" VBB

Sounds to me as if the sole reason lies in their statement they are "seeking many ways to make efficiencies and savings" and trying to spin it as not mattering as the information will still be available at Marlborough or Devizes or on the net is completely unconvincing.

And actually, its NOT in the wrong place. Couldn't a back entrance be created, with access from the South circle? That would make it just about the most enviable commercial spot in the whole village.
Even if this isn't possible, "signage" at the back would ensure every single visitor would know it was there.

Compare the Rollrights, where a private trust can lay on a little information hut and an on-site warden - and audio tours - that add huge value to any visit.

Hi moss
Sorry for being a thicky, but what is a 'TIC'?
J
x

The TIC will be open throughout the Silbury dig in 2007.
There will also be a temp TIC at the Silbury car park to keep visiters up to date with events inside the hill with a live video feed etc
PeteG