IT is welcome news that the people of Swindon are waking up to the fact that the sacred historic site of Barbury Castle is under threat.

The letter from R & H Nicholls, (EA July 25) was excellent, but there is concern about the heading Leave Barbury Castle As It Is.

What is needed is to preserve it as it was before Swindon Services took over the site.

Then there were sheep grazing at Barbury, now it is covered in long weeds and thistles. Also the toilets are not being kept clean and there is photographic evidence to prove this. Most of the people who visit this site do not live in Swindon and will not come back until the toilets are useable.

There is a large car park here and, unless there are environmental wardens on site full time, there is the danger of this area being used for raves and drug taking. In fact, I have been informed that the latter is now happening.

It is clear that Swindon Council has no idea of the importance of this site and just see it as a way of making money. There is a major problem with tourism. Unless the flow of visitors is managed in a sustainable way they will destroy what they are coming to see.

Therefore it is essential that this important site is taken out of the ownership of Swindon Council and placed in the hands of a national body which has the skills to preserve it.

B BURROWS

Swindon