THE news the Government grant of £10million towards the Stonehenge Visitor Centre has been withdrawn is devastating.

Everyone agrees the present facilities serving one of the world's greatest heritage sites are a disgrace, but although the wait may now be even longer, hopefully, something positive can still come from this.

I would suggest it is now back to the drawing board, but also an opportunity to take a look at the Rheged Visitor Centre in Cumbria near the Northern Lakes.

For those who have not been to that part of the country here is a prime example of a great and highly-successful attraction on which plans for a similar facility at Stonehenge could be based.

Built partially below ground level with a grassed roof this has a wide range of specialist shops, eating areas and also a farmer's shop, together with a cinema and exhibition halls.

Rheged is just off the A66, comparable to the A303, and with private investment to make up the huge shortfall in funds this could become a commercially viable centre.

STANLEY H JONES, Trowbridge

THE cancellation of the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, sadly, may reduce the number of visitors who actually come to Salisbury. I am saddened that, given all the money which has been spent on this project to date, it will be now mothballed.

Though I can understand the Chief Secretary to the Treasury needs to make immediate cuts, I am convinced it may be the first of many that we are likely to see.

CLLR JEREMY NETTLE, Salisbury City Council

WITH complaints being expressed about the plans now on hold, surely this is time to think the visitor centre through again and maybe get it right third time.

The essential facilities next to the monument should be completely underground not partially concealed in a ditch. The car park, visitor centre and take-off point for the transit vehicle should all be close together and screened by trees or earth banks.

The transit vehicle should terminate closer to the Stones than the 300 metres proposed, ideally underground, and should be capable of moving more than 1,000 people per hour. It needs to be as inconspicuous as possible when viewed from the monument and a visit should be possible within an hour.

CHRISTOPHER PENFOLD, Salisbury