www.stonehenge-druids.org

Our comment:

 

We would very much like to thank Sebastian for this update and the detailed insight into the consultation process and progress that it provides. I think that everyone interested in the reburial issue should find this to be of interest and welcome the open and forthright approach taken, and respect shown by communicating with us proactively in this way.

 

Frank

News Page 8

 

Statement on Summer Solstice 2009

Policing by Wiltshire Police

 

"As the 2009 Summer Solstice approaches, Wiltshire Police will continue their support of English Heritage's managed access to the Stonehenge World Heritage Site by the public.

We recognise the importance and significance of the various ceremonies which take place at Stonehenge at this time of year and fully understand that the vast and overwhelming majority of the many visitors are peaceful and law abiding.

 

We welcome all these law abiding visitors and want to provide them with the safest possible environment in which to enjoy the occasion.

 

We make no apology for restating that law abiding individuals, groups and faiths are welcome but anyone intent on disorder, drunken violence, or criminality should stay away" by Supt Steve Hedley.

 

Our comment

 

We offered the Police the opportunity to make a statement via our web site this year as we have heard that there will be less tolerance of criminal behaviour than in previous years.

 

This is in particular a response to those few members of the public who attended last year and who were drunkenly disruptive, sold drugs, and tipped a portaloo upside down with a terrified 14 year old girl inside.

 

Our advice to everyone is to not do anything at Stonehenge that you would not expect to get away with in your town centre on a Friday night. Stay within the law and respect others.      (Frank)

 

Image  www.wiltshire.police.uk

 

Update from Stonehenge Roundtable discussions 7th May 2009

 

Wiltshire Police sent one of their Chief Inspectors to explain the policing approach to the members.

 

It was made clear that the Wiltshire police understand and respect that Summer Solstice is not a ‘protest’ and is a legal assembly for spiritual celebration, and they, like us value the progress that has been made in respect of this event which has been achieved by mutual good will, trust and co-operation. The friendly style of policing that we have enjoyed over the last few years is likely to continue, but the antisocial behaviour of a few that threatens the happy continuance of the celebration and which can ruin it for others, will not be accepted or overlooked.

 

Talk in the media of lots of mounted Police, and the use of military spy remote operated aircraft have been a complete exaggeration:

 

There will be three police on horseback, there were two last year, and they proved popular with visitors as well as being mobile and highly visible. They will be present only in the long track-way between the car park and the temple field.

 

As for the ‘spy drones’, there will not be two as reported in the media and these are not military specification, in fact there will be one drone, sized about 3 foot cubed it is an electrically powered helicopter that can carry one camera and its use will be limited to observing any bottlenecks in the access points or during emergencies. It will not fly all of the time, only when it is required.

 

An example of why this might be needed was given: Last year a woman went missing and it was feared that she was potentially unconscious after consuming an excess of drugs, but could have been anywhere, after a search they found her unconscious and hidden in long grass alive and well but it could have been different. Using the drone in such circumstances would enable a faster search. Imagine if it were a missing child.

 

The assurances from the Police that they intend to keep the pleasant and effective atmosphere going that exists between them and the public at this event, and that their effort to stop the anti social behaviour is not intended to be heavy handed or to change that good relationship with the public. We hope that everyone will support them, ensuring that everyone remains safe at solstice is the best way to protect it for the future.

 

Officers present will be from Wiltshire and identification numbers will be visible.

We are asking that the English Heritage employed Security team also wear visible identification, but that is as yet to be confirmed by EH.

 

Solstice is a peaceful British tradition of which we can all be very proud.