MARITIME heritage enthusiasts have welcomed the news that the local MP plans to hold an open debate on the future of the Purton Hulks.
Neil Carmichael, MP for the Stroud constituency, is to chair a public meeting to discuss the shipwrecked vessels on the banks of the Severn, dubbed the Purton Hulks.
The site of the hulks was recently adopted by British Waterways and is now formally recognised by English Heritage as the largest ships' graveyard in the country.
Paul Barnett, chairman of the Friends of Purton, which has worked to preserve the vessels, said he hoped the meeting would provide a good opportunity for discussion on the protection and preservation of the site.
It is expected that representatives from English Heritage Natural England, British Waterways and local parish councils will attend the meeting.
The open meeting will take place at Sharpness Dockers Club at 7pm on Wednesday, June 1.
Mr Barnett added: "I encourage all with an interest in the future of the site to attend in order to participate in the ongoing debate to protect the regions diminishing maritime archaeology."
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