7/30/2019 Rescue respond to proposed cuts at Southampton City Archaeological Unit

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Alistair NeillChief ExecutiveSouthampton City CouncilCivic CentreSouthamptonSO14 7LY

14th November 2012

Dear Mr Neill,

I am writing to you on behalf of RESCUE The British Archaeological Trust. RESCUE is anon-political organisation which exists to support archaeology and archaeologists in Britainand abroad. We receive no support from government and are entirely dependent on thecontributions of our members to fund our work. Details of our activities can be found on ourwebsite: www.rescue-archaeology.org.uk.

We have been concerned to read recent press reports suggesting that SouthamptonCouncil has taken the decision to close its archaeology unit, Southampton Archaeology.

The unit can legitimately trace its origins to the first appointment of a professionalarchaeologist in Southampton in 1958, and consequently is one of the longest establishedlocal authority units in the country. Since then it has been responsible for excavations ofnational significance that have firmly established the importance of Southampton as aroman, saxon, medieval and post-medieval cultural and mercantile centre somethingwhich the council has been keen to promote in the development of the new residential andcultural quarters. The current staff of the unit have, between them, amassed a wealth ofexpertise on the history and archaeology of Southampton that is unparalleled and isirreplaceable. The proposed closure of the unit would be a significant loss to the people ofSouthampton, and to those developers who seek knowledge and expertise for the efficientinvestigation of archaeological remains within the city. In addition, as Southampton

Archaeology carries out the majority of the development-driven archaeology within the city,RESCUE is concerned that by cutting this service this will seriously compromise the citycouncil's ability to deliver statutory planning services with a historic environment element.There will also be a knock-on effect for the management of the city council's large portfolioof legally protected ancient monuments as this function is also carried out by thearchaeology unit.

The current staff of the unit are well known to be active in the support of local archaeologyand history societies, and in leading a regional branch of the national YoungArchaeologists Club. This commitment to community outreach and education has beenundertaken in their own time and unpaid and this dedication, one would have thought, is

something that responsible local government should seek to promote.

http://www.rescue-archaeology.org.uk/http://www.rescue-archaeology.org.uk/

7/30/2019 Rescue respond to proposed cuts at Southampton City Archaeological Unit

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If Southampton is serious about its aspirations (outlined in your document Towards aninternational city of culture which places great emphasis on the citys internationally uniqueheritage resource) then the closure of the unit and the loss of local expertise is very much abackward step, and we strongly urge you to reconsider.

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely

Diana. Friendship-Taylor (Mrs.)ChairmanRESCUE The British Archaeological Trust

CC: Cllr Richard Williams (Leader of the Council)Dawn Baxendale (Director of Policy and Economic Development)Cllr. Warwick Payne (Cabinet Member for Housing and Leisure Services)