Backing urged for Hoard viewing site

The Government has been asked to back plans to install a viewing platform overlooking the site where the Staffordshire Hoard was discovered.

The idea is the brainchild of Walsall pensioner Brian Stringer, who says the site would be an ideal destination for school field trips.

Mr Stringer, who heads the Brownhills Local Committee, is hoping to get Michael Gove's support after the Education Secretary repeatedly called for more history on the national curriculum.

Campaigners hope to attract sponsorship for a granite post with a peep hole to be installed on a plot of land between Burntwood and Brownhills, next to where the treasure was discovered in July, 2009.

Visitors would be able to peer through it and train their eyes on the exact spot.

He said: "At the moment there is nothing there, but, with a bit of imagination, it could become something really special.

"There wasn't anything at The Battle of Bosworth field, but now schools go there and people dress up in outfits from the era."

"Michael Gove said local schools need to do more to get schools interested in historic sites – they could start there."

Last month the Education Secretary asked English Heritage to draw up a list of local historical sites that could bring the past alive.

Mr Stringer, aged 72, of Park Close, Brownhills, added he is going to write to Lichfield District Council to raise his concerns about plans for a new site for travellers in a neighbouring field, which he fears might jeopardise his long-term plans.

He said: "I've got no objections to the travellers, but there may have to be some sort of joint access which could cause a few problems."

A planning application has been submitted to Lichfield District Council to change the use of the land, on the south side of Watling Street, from agricultural to a site for six mobile homes on four plots with septic tanks and utility rooms.

Terry Maughan bought the field near Hammerwich at auction two-and- a-half years ago.

He and his family were previously based at the Fishpond Caravan Site, in Featherstone, according to agents acting on the family's behalf.