Watching Brief

The Trust monitors Government activity for proposals which might affect historic towns such as Devizes. It then seeks to bring them to the notice of its members through this web site and its quarterly publication Trust News

The publication of the National Heritage Protection Bill is of great interest to Devizes, with its very large number of listed buildings.

On the face of it, the Bill seeks to strengthen heritage protection and is to be welcomed.

· It devolves powers to English Heritage, both simplifying and speeding up the process.

· It makes possible the registering of land in its own right so that historic gardens can be protected

· It makes it easier for the general public to apply to have an asset listed

· It provides a mechanism for rapid temporary protection whilst the merits of permanent listing is considered.

For further information on the Bill, including the full text of the bill click here

THE TRUST FOR DEVIZES

CONserving our Heritage

Quakers Walk is under threat again and the Trust is supporting the Quakers Walk Protection Group in its efforts to ensure this beautiful country walk is not ruined for ever by being dug up to lay main drains for the new housing development, having lighting installed and the gates locked open.

Quakers Walk has been a favourite walk for generations of Devizes folk and the Trust wholeheartedly supports the campaign to leave it alone. Devizes is suffering from over-development and it is paramount that we keep this much loved walk as it is, a lovely unspoilt piece of English countryside

The Trust is particularly concerned to see the gates not only closed to prevent motorised traffic, but also restored to their former glory as part of the overall development. It is also anxious to ensure that no damage is done to the canal bridge by laying large pipes across it.

To learn more and join in the protest click here to go to the Group’s website.