Standing Conference on Londons's Archaeology (SCOLA)

Letter to London Mayoral Election Candidates and replies

Reply from Ken Livingstone (28 May 2004)
Reply from Steve Norris (19 May 2004)
Reply from Simon Hughes (no date)
Reply from Ram Gidoomal (4 June 2004)

Mayoral Election

I am writing to you as Chairman of the Standing Conference on London Archaeology (SCOLA) to seek your views on the place you would give archaeology in London if you are elected Mayor. SCOLA was set up to promote the practice, study and public awareness of archaeology in London. Membership is open to all those who share our aims, and currently includes individuals, archaeological contractors, archaeological societies and local authorities. SCOLA is sponsored by the Society of Antiquaries of London and by the Council for British Archaeology and enjoys close relations with English Heritage and the Museum of London.

Archaeology in London is important and exciting; there have been several astounding discoveries recently. It interests a large number of people of all backgrounds — witness the audiences for television programmes, the number of visitors to museums, and the membership of local societies. Yet in the first term of the Greater London Authority very little attention was paid to archaeology, and indeed to the heritage generally. We made critical comments on the drafts of the Mayor’s London Plan and Culture Strategy, and some welcome changes were made in the final versions, but they are still far from adequate.

There are moreover currently a number of important issues facing archaeology in London — not least the likely reorganisation of English Heritage. We believe the Mayor should play a prominent role in the resolution of these issues, whether or not they fall directly within the Mayor’s statutory functions.

I should welcome a clear statement of your views, and the policies you would adopt, by June 1st, so that we can post them on our website.

Yours sincerely

Ian Longworth

Relpy from Ken Livingstone

Dear Dr Longworth

Thank you for your letter regarding the Mayoral election.

During my first term, I listened carefully to arguments about heritage and about archaeology. I am pleased to note that you recognise the final version of my London Plan contains strong policies on both protecting and promoting heritage and archaeology. This was because I accepted the arguments made by lobby groups in these areas, including the Museum of London and others.

In a world city like London, there is always a balance to strike between development and conservation to support sustainable development. I have tried to strike that balance. I have supported many initiatives to preserve and enhance London's heritage - the Transport for London transformation of Trafalgar Square is one example; the London Development Agency investment at Woolwich Arsenal is another.

I am sad that too many times, the heritage debate has been twisted by the heritage lobby and is not really about protecting our heritage, but is more about whether or not new development is wanted. The debate around new tall buildings is a classic example of this. I believe new tall buildings can enhance the skyline of London and our surroundings - but they are only one small way in which London will meet the needs of a growing population and economy.

I am most interested in the London review of English Heritage - I believe English Heritage needs to become more accountable and take on the valued role it once had as an advisory body whose opinions would be worth a great deal when weighed against other strategic policy aims. The London region of English Heritage should be accountable to the Mayor - rather than an increasingly marginalised quango of narrow interests.

Overall I do believe that heritage and archaeological issues - while not the same - are both valuable to London's rich tapestry and a vital part of our future city as well as today's.

Yours sincerely

Ken Livingstone

Stephen Norris

reply from Stephen Norris not currently available

Reply from Simon Hughes

Dear Dr Longworth

Many thanks for your recent letter highlighting the work of SCOLA and the importance of archaeology to London's cultural and built heritage.

I can only agree with your comments that scant attention has been paid to archaeology in the four years since the GLA's establishment. The Cultural Strategy and the London Plan hardly feature at all the benefits that archaeology as a discipline can contribute to London and its residents, in terms of history, education and social inclusivity.

Policy 4B.14 of the London Plan promises the Mayor's support in identification, protection, interpretation and presentation of London's archaeological resources. This, in my view, is too limited. The present Mayor has restricted his role to reactive involvement - supporting initiatives that are already being pursued and undertaken by partners such as English Heritage and the Museum of London. Whilst, of course, such partnership approaches are vital I feel that there is, in addition, a more pro-active role that the Mayor can take. I would include as a key objective, the Mayor's responsibility for actively promoting archaeological projects throughout London and encouraging public participation in them.

As such, I envisage working with Boroughs and museums throughout the capital to encourage public participation programmes, especially targeted at local school children, ensuring that they engage with their surrounding heritage and learn about local history and potential jobs in archaeology and curation. Building on a recent innovative scheme in the Lib Dem London Borough of Southwark, in which the Cumin Museum was involved, I'd like to see opportunities for visits to excavations and dig presentations and will encourage Boroughs to actively mainstream such activities into their culture strategies and prominently publicise these events. There is scope also to involve groups such as SCOLA, which have a dedicated expertise in promoting awareness and participation in this field.

In short, I feel that the educational and heritage benefits of greater community involvement in archaeological activities would be substantial and the Mayor has a job to do in making sure Londoners can take advantage of this.

With thanks again for alerting me to the valuable work of SCOLA and please do keep me updated on any additional projects your organisation is involved in.

Best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Simon Hughes

Reply from Ram Gidoomal

Dear Dr Longworth

I would like to apologise for not attending to your letter asking about Ram Gidoomal's views on archaeology. The following statement is drawn from the CPA manifesto for the GLA, Passion for London.

Culture, Media and Sport

At the heart of our vision for London is to transform the city into a place of celebration and creativity. The cultural life or the capital's diverse communities is a source of strength to its members and is a reflection of God's desire that people should enjoy life to the full. London's well-being is a reflection not of economic prosperity, but how far recreation plays a role in people's lives.

London's historic buildings and spaces are a treasured asset and development opportunities, such as at Stratford, must not be lost to poorly considered developments. New facilities, or buildings where they are needed for the Olympics, must contribute to our historic landscape and not damage it. Ram Gidoomal will ensure that grassroots sport is built into the Olympics bid and that physical activity at home and in schools is also promoted. London's heritage and existing national sporting centres are already a focus of attraction for numerous visitors and tourists. To maintain and develop London's global role, steps will be taken to conserve and promote access to the city's natural and built environment.

Ram Gidoomal will establish a new board to be known as London Heritage which will take strategic responsibility to develop the cultural life of London. The arts, galleries and museums, tourism and sport, broadcasting, library services, film production and the buildings and heritage collections of the capital will all be developed by the board as part of an integrated strategy with existing bodies.

The cultural life or London must be accessible. Support will therefore be given by the CPA to small local community arts projects as well as to the prestigious artistic centres. Groups representing disabled people will have a key role in decisions affecting their access to London's theatres, cinemas and concert halls. Ticket prices will be a crucial factor in decisions over grant-aid support to cultural organisations.

Many children do not enjoy the benefits to health and their emotional development offered by sport and the arts in London. By working with schools and London's local authorities, all young Londoners can be given the opportunity to develop their full potential and to attend cultural events on a regular basis.