Road plan goes ahead over Ribbon

An aerial view of the 4000 year old 'Rotherwas Ribbon' Enlarge Image

Council leaders have said they will go ahead with plans to build a road over a 4,000-year-old group of stones.

Herefordshire Council said it would cost between £6m and £110m to redirect the road around the Rotherwas Ribbon.

The feature was unearthed this summer by workmen building a relief road in Hereford.

The council's ruling cabinet decided on Thursday to press ahead with the plans and build a "protective membrane" over the stones.

Leaders said the move would be a "win win" solution for those wanting to preserve the feature and those wanting the road.

They said the stones would be covered by sand to "protect it for future generations".

Tourist attraction

Local residents mounted a campaign to save the 197ft (60m) long ribbon of stones after it was found in June.

They said the site could be turned into a tourist attraction and encourage hundreds of visitors to the area.

More than 1,000 people signed a petition calling for Prime Minister Gordon Brown to intervene in the situation.

The stones were unearthed by workmen in June

The council said the road building would be part of the wider £20m Rotherwas Futures project, which would also include a flood alleviation scheme.

Leaders said that leaving the Ribbon exposed to the elements would eventually destroy it.

John Jarvis, the council's environment spokesman, said: "The council often has to balance a number of disparate but passionately-held points of view in order to reach a solution that supports the greater good for Herefordshire.

"We have listened to all the arguments, as well as expert advice, not least English Heritage and professional archaeologists, and we have agreed the best possible way of protecting the Rotherwas Ribbon for future generations, as well as exploring opportunities for tourism and education."