Petition opposes council's demand for removal of pub landlord's 12ft high wooden Stonehenge

Villagers and tourists have started a petition opposing a council's decision for a wooden version of Stonehenge in Swanage, Dorset, to be taken down. Pub landlord Charlie Newman built "Woodhenge", a sculpture of tree trunks, in a field by the Square and Compass pub at Worth Matravers.



Purbeck District Council said it must be taken down by 4 September as the structure opposes planning rules. An online petition against the decision has attracted hundreds of signatures. Resident Valerie Burden said: "It enhances what is already a unique place to live and visit.



"It is not a blot on the landscape but a beautiful natural attraction which has to be left to be shared with as many as possible." Mr Newman who built the sculpture just before the Summer solstice on 21 June would like to see the creation stay for a couple of years. He said: "It does sit well in the landscape.



"It's not offensive, being timber it's got a limited life, so if it could stay for a little while longer it would be quite nice." Purbeck District Council said it had been in contact with Mr Newman and agreed the structure could stay for a temporary period until 4 September. The local authority said people should get in touch with them if they are planning any sort of building work.