Campaign for Turret gathers momentum

A campaign to save a Mediaeval turret in Stratford-upon-Avon gains momentum after plans by the local council to demolish it were leaked.

Locals are outraged at the potential loss to this Stratford land mark. The turret which has a checkered history to say the least is being earmarked for demolition as part of plans to bring Stratford up to date. The turret is believed to have been used as a small prison to house town drunks and before this to hold women accused of Witchcraft.

The unfortunate prisoners would then be dunked in the Avon around the site that Cox's Yard stands today. It is rumoured that over 50 women were put through "Witch Trials" in Stratford after being held captive in the turret. The turret continued to be used as a prison long after trial for witchcraft was removed from the statute books.

The local support is torn between two proposals for the turret. One would see the turret turned into a museum with exhibits to bring its past too life including a novelty "Witch Ducking Ride" which would allow visitor to experience a modern day take on the old rituals. The second proposal would see the turret being turned into a mobile phone mast, this would provide funds to renovate the building whilst at the same time boosting mobile signals in Stratford across all networks.

A council spokesperson told the guide "Stratford council has not made any decision in regards to the turrets future we are merely discussing possible improvements to Stratford some of which include the Clopton bridge turret.". When asked whether the council supported the Witch theme park idea the councils spokesperson declined to comment but did add, "I am not sure that a Witch Dunking attraction is the right image for Stratford."

The council have been criticised some of the improvements to Stratford which have included the Bancroft Gardens update, during which several mature tree's have been cut down.

If you would like to join the campaign to save Stratford's turret you can visit the local community web site at www.savestratfordsturret.co.uk/gullable

 It is worth noting that this article was added on the 1st April - An April Fool