Report unearths need for action
ILLEGAL metal detecting in North Lincolnshire has been highlighted in a new report by English Heritage.
The survey on what is known as nighthawking found 30 sites of historical importance had been searched without permission across the wider Yorkshire and Humber region since 1995.
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LEGAL: Metal detecting enthusiast John Lockwood, who carries out his hobby legally.
One of the sites affected was a 1,900-year-old Roman fort at Kirmington.
Two separate groups were spotted there by police in 2007 and coins and metal work were confiscated.
Neil Redfern, inspector for ancient monuments with English Heritage, said: "Quite apart from the fact that nighthawking is illegal, it also causes untold damage to our heritage.
"By removing an object from the ground without proper recording you take away its context, which can tell us so much about its age, purpose and significance."
Scunthorpe Metal Detecting Club member John Lockwood (73), of North Parade, Scunthorpe, said: "I know there are people who go onto sites without permission, it is a known fact.
"Unless you go down in the middle of the night or early in the morning, you have a job catching them but they do get caught sometimes."
For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
11 Comments
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by Ken & Jean Jacobs, Winteringham
Wednesday, February 18 2009, 9:02AM
“There's always a very small minority of bad apples in every basket in life. Why just pick on metal detectorist. They add a great deal to the heritage of Britain and also raise a lot of money for charities. I've heard nothing of this in the press since this story was put out last week.”
by Jorg Lueke, Oakdale
Tuesday, February 17 2009, 1:51PM
“The news reports would have been more useful if the contrasted the illegal activity with the total number of legal detector finds over the past 14 years. 200 cases is 1 per month which hardly seems like a lot.”
by Digger Barnes, Dallas
Monday, February 16 2009, 7:35PM
“And another thing..these places were just the landfill of Romans, Saxons & Celts etc.
In 2000 years from now the Chinese will be unearthing giant landfill sites in Bejing full of stuff we've seperated for re-cycling.
As for English Heritage - well they're another reason I left the sinking ship RMS Broke Britain.”
by Digger Barnes, Dallas
Monday, February 16 2009, 7:27PM
“These chaps get the stuff dug up in a 10th of the time it takes a bunch of sandal wearing Yetties.
Do ya dig?”
by DD, Scunny
Monday, February 16 2009, 7:00PM
“That's how doley and his type live tho, it goes for TV's, cars etc. . . . . . .
And so what if it's a slow news day, don't comment if you you're not interested, you miserable bunch, cheer up.”
by Ron, Broughton
Monday, February 16 2009, 3:34PM
“With English Heritage (Have we got one left now with half the sub-continent here?) it's just sour grapes.As Doley says-Finders keepers-otherwise it would probably remain hidden forever.”
by Doley, Westcliff
Monday, February 16 2009, 12:06PM
“Find his keepers lose his weepers.”
by Del, Scunthorpe
Monday, February 16 2009, 11:28AM
“This report, but obviously with a more national flavour, was on Radio 5 Live this morning. Obviously one of the more pressing problems in this country!!”
by debt collector, bungle
Monday, February 16 2009, 9:44AM
“the only person whos slow is you geoff”
by tango, Scunthorpe
Monday, February 16 2009, 8:37AM
“What a waste of web space.”