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Stonehenge plans secure 'Big Society' boost
Tourism minister John Penrose has revealed that proposals to improve the visitor experience at Stonehenge, Wiltshire, have been put back on track with government support.
A funding package that includes private philanthropy, National Lottery cash and commercial backing is to be complemented with plans to enable English Heritage to access its reserves. Penrose has confirmed that English Heritage will be enabled to access £2m from its historic reserves, which have been raised from philanthropic sources.
Meanwhile, around £3.5m has been confirmed by roads minister Mike Penning to allow the Highways Agency to improve roads surrounding the World Heritage Site. Penrose said: "It was bitterly disappointing when the country's dire financial state meant we had to withdraw government funding for the visitor centre here last June.
"But I - along with English Heritage and my colleagues across government - have been committed to finding other ways to support the project. "The fact that we have now almost secured private funding is an example of the Big Society in action, with everyone working together to ensure a mix of funding solutions."
In November, the Heritage Lottery Fund agreed to contribute £10m towards the Stonehenge plans.