Public Inquiry into Stonehenge plans

8.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 24th May 2010

Wiltshire Council (WC) has agreed to hold a public inquiry into the proposals for changes to the road system around Stonehenge, after objections from pagans and off-road drivers and motorcyclists.

The aim of the proposals is to make the World Heritage Site tidier and more managed, so everyone has to use and pay for the official facilities.

The A344, which runs through the outer part of the henge, will be closed off. Drivers wanting to get onto the A303 will turn off at a new roundabout at Airman's Corner and join the trunk road at the re-designed Longbarrow roundabout.

Meanwhile a number of tracks in the area which are currently classified as 'open to all traffic', so can be used by off-road motorists and trail bikers, are to be re-classified to prevent use by motorised traffic except farm vehicles and permit-holders.

The pagans have objected because they currently use the tracks when preparing for ceremonies at the solstices and equinoxes. However the council have said they should be able to get permits to continue doing this.

The trail bikers have pointed out the absurdity of banning motor vehicles from the cross-country tracks in the interest of the amenity of visitors to Stonehenge whilst the A303 traffic thunders along beside the monument.