Village braced for the invasion (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Village braced for the invasion

11:45am Thursday 14th June 2007

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As dawn breaks over the solstice celebrations in Avebury next week many fear the sunrise will leave chaos in its wake.

Police will be drafted in to deal with possible record numbers of visitors to the ancient area on Wednesday and Thursday and a second gathering on Sunday.

But the new ruling by the National Trust to stop high-sided vehicles entering the village's carpark is still causing apprehension.

Many believe travellers will still make their way to the village in their converted buses and vans and that chaos could ensue if they have nowhere to legally park.

Avebury postmaster Dick Stannard fears record numbers could see a repeat of the chaos that ensued two years ago. In 2006 it is thought hundreds stayed away to watch the World Cup matches and numbers were down due to the absence of the Glastonbury Festival.

He said: "This year however the chaos will depend on how many turn up. It won't be much fun for the people that live in the High Street."

The National Trust has issued each villager with a letter explaining how the event is going to be managed and includes numbers to call for more information or help.

Regional director Brendan McCarthy said: "The simple message is we'd rather thousands of people didn't come but if they do they should come by bus."

Parish council chairman Jenny Baldrey is glad a hard line has been taken by the trust. She added: "We're in talks with various agencies to find a suitable campsite that could be open just 28 days a year solely for this kind of event.

"We suggested using a small field in Kennet Avenue but English Heritage is very disapproving of having a camp site anywhere in a World Heritage site.

"We just want it sorted once and for all."

One pagan who is camping at Honeystreet, Dave Grove, said he expected many would park well away from Avebury and walk in.

Mr Grove,who was visiting a small travellers' camp at Knapp Hill at Alton Barnes, said: "I expect people will stop at places like this and walk over to Avebury."

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