AN ANDOVER company has been awarded a contract to look after Stonehenge.

Venture Security, which provides specialist security services to local authorities, has been awarded the contract by English Heritage.

Around 1.5 million people visit the landmark each year.

Following a competitive tender earlier this year, Venture is providing static guarding for the monument around the clock, as well as security for the onsite visitor centre.

The specialist team is also delivering comprehensive security services for four popular events held at the site throughout the year, including the summer and winter solstices, as well as two equinoxes held in spring and autumn, which around 15,000 people attend.

Jennifer Davies, head of historic properties at English Heritage, commented: “When we put the contract out to tender, we were really impressed by the team at Venture Security.

"We could see that they understood the significance of the assignment and had the experience and dedication needed to deliver it.

“The fact Venture knows the area very well and uses locally based team members was really appealing.

"They have extensive experience in crowd management and handling security for high profile public events, so they tick all the boxes for us.”

Venture’s guarding team at Stonehenge is made up of 12 SIA licensed security officers, with additional team members joining to support the security detail for the quarterly events as required.

Paul Howe, Venture Security managing director, said: “We're delighted to be working with English Heritage and to be looking after such an iconic site as Stonehenge.

"It’s a privilege to be entrusted with protecting a monument of such historic interest, ensuring it is preserved for generations to come.”