GATEHOUSE proprietor Phil Ramsden has hit out at criticism over recent excavation works at the historic inn. In last week's Beacon it was reported that Monmouth archaeologists, who had been employed by Mr Ramsden, had walked off the site and withdrawn from the contract because they claimed that builders had commenced excavations without them. Stephen Clarke, of Monmouth Archaeology, suggested that by starting excavations without an archaeologist the developer could have invalidated his planning consent. In a statement issued to the Beacon this week, Mr Ramsden said Mr Clarke's statement that work had started without his knowledge was incorrect and that his suggestion that the owners/builders were unsympathetic to archaeological excavation was inflammatory. "We had hoped that there was a possibility of an interesting find or two," said Mr Ramsden. "However, we were advised by The Gwent and Glamorgan Archaeological Trust this would be almost impossible considering the massive earthworks undertaken in the construction of the flood alleviation scheme - but you never know, adjacent to the old building? "However, Monmouth people will all be fully aware of the random demolition and excavation works that have taken place on this site over the last 60 years so chances are pretty remote. "If all bodies involved had not hoped there was still a possibility to find something of interest, then why was Mr. Clarke given the commission prior to excavation works commencing? "What he omitted saying was that personalities are the main issue and always have been, but it's possible he forgot they were. "Enough said we look forward to works proceeding in a truly professional manner thereby enabling us to create a much improved destination venue."
