Council welcomes scrutiny of Rotherwas Ribbon decision

Herefordshire Council has welcomed further debate on whether the cabinet decision on the Rotherwas Ribbon archaeological find was based on advice from English Heritage and all financial considerations were taken into account. The council's environment scrutiny committee has 'called in' the decision.

Councillor John Jarvis, cabinet member for the environment, said: "We believe the council should take every opportunity to ensure it is doing the right thing to protect the Rotherwas Ribbon, explore opportunities for tourism and complete the Rotherwas access road to safeguard existing and future jobs in Hereford.

"However, the news that the decision will be scrutinised is welcomed. The views of the scrutiny committee are a key part of the council's democratic process. Its role will be to test the accountability and transparency of any decisions taken by the council so it is right that it scrutinises the decision and any background material".

The council said it had aimed for a 'win win solution' when the cabinet debated a 50-page report on the Ribbon on Thursday (6 September 2007). The cabinet approved the completion of the road, which it said was essential for the success and transformation of the Rotherwas Industrial Estate, the county's key employment site housing 125 companies.

Chair of the council's strategic monitoring committee Councillor Phil Edwards said: "I welcome the opportunity for scrutiny to take a second look at the vitality of the Rotherwas access road and the future of the local economy, and at the same time wish to recommend the importance of safeguarding this archaeological find and creating an opportunity for increased value from tourism".

The cabinet voted unanimously to protect the Ribbon in line with advice from archaeologists and best practice. The council is hoping for funding from English Heritage to enable archaeological investigation of the presumed course of the Ribbon to the north and south of the original course of the access road. This will allow the council to consider options to develop opportunities for tourism, heritage and education, including evaluating the potential for a permanent visitor centre.

The council stopped work on the Rotherwas access road around the Ribbon site earlier this year when the significance of the find was established. It announced the find to councillors and citizens in May. Plans to protect the Ribbon were initially put on hold after popular demand to see it. Around 1,000 people were given escorted tours of during July.

Added councillor John Jarvis, cabinet member for the environment, said: "The council is working hard to balance a number of conflicting views, including those of the anti-road protesters, those who want the Ribbon protected for future generations, the needs of business to compete commercially, the need to create new jobs for our young people, the hopes of local residents that a new road will alleviate traffic problems and the interests of council tax payers, who do not want to bear the brunt of the costs of diverting the road around the Ribbon".

"Making everyone happy is mission impossible of course, but we have listened to all views and expert advice in coming to a decision that we feel reflects the needs of community as a whole".