Bluestone bill still uncertain (From Western Telegraph)

Bluestone bill still uncertain

THE HERITAGE Lottery Fund has agreed to reimburse 'all eligible costs' of the abortive Millennium Bluestone Project.

But members of the county policy and resources committee left Thursdays meeting with no clear idea of what 'eligible' means and how much of the final bill will fall on the county council.

The future use of the stone is also uncertain. 'The assumption at this stage is that the £62,000 grant will be recovered by Menter Preseli and the council will be reimbursed for interest charges related thereto,' said director of finance, Mr Mark Lewis.

Chief executive, Mr Bryn Parry-Jones, said it would be a matter for the council to determine the stones ultimate fate.

'But it will be necessary for us to consult the Heritage Lottery Fund because technically it is their stone,' he said.

Mr Lewis described the project grant bid as an honest, straightforward application, and added that various scenarios were outlined, making it clear that the project might not succeed.

The estimated costs had been £375,000 in voluntary labour and £100,000 in direct expenditure with a grant of £100,000, or 21.05% of the estimated total of £475,000.

Councillor Maurice Hughes said he was delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund had accepted it would pay towards agreed expenditure.

Councillor Glyn Rees asked what would happen to the stone and Mr Parry-Jones said there had been three expressions of interest from Clychau Maenclochog, Oakwood and Wexford, where they had a heritage centre with many interesting stones. Councillor Lyn Davies said Mynachlogddu, where the stone came from, was also interested.

Caption

The ill-fated bluestone is raised from the sea, after sinking at the start of its voyage from the Milford Haven Waterway. PICTURE: Martin Cavaney Photography.