ABSTRACT
On 1 December 1990, the Dean of Winchester Cathedral, the Mayor of Winchester, the chairmen of the two Parish Councils, and Professor Martin Biddle, as president of Twyford Down Association, wrote to The Times, seeking a reversal of the Twyford Down decision. Writing as ‘individuals and representatives of groups closely involved with Winchester and its surrounding countryside’ they expressed their ‘dismay that the Department of Transport still plans a cutting through Twyford Down… We also strongly oppose the government’s proposal to extend the M3 on high level embankment across the Itchen Valley. The fine villages of Twyford, Shawford and Compton, which form the setting for the jewel of the city itself would be the casualties of this scheme… The intervention of the European Commission is currently being sought… However, we would most welcome a change of heart by our government; a change of heart which would…save the cherished countryside which adorns England’s ancient capital.’ The two most influential citizens of that ancient capital were making a plea to the new Major Government to think again.
