Saved

Thanks to the Government's patriotic devotion to our national heritage, it has been left to local campaigners in Colchester to preserve the remains of Britain's only known Roman chariot-racing course. In the midst of recession, when New New Labour cannot even afford to hire a lawyer reputable enough to avoid the sort of petty shyster tactics one associates with lesser breeds, individual donations from local people have made up the £200,000 necessary to save the site. The Department of National Heritage (or Ministry of Tourism, as Tony hath reincarnated it) does not appear to have taken any interest in the matter, perhaps because New New Labour does not care to be reminded that our celebrated island history was not always one of going forth to conquest in the name of peace, enlightenment and family values. Of course, this may be a blessing in disguise, given that the Government's idea of protecting our national heritage involves turning Stonehenge into a motorway siding, and quite possibly hiring out Milton's cottage to McDonald's as the Puritan Paradise Burger Bar.