South Wiltshire people share thoughts on A303 Stonehenge tunnel benefits
They've featured in a new video from Highways England
Last updated 27th Jan 2021
The video's been released on social media, with the strapline 'transforming the landscape and transforming lives' to suggest how that part of South Wiltshire will benefit from the project,
Those in favour of the tunnel has long said that it would prevent rat-running through villages to avoid heavy traffic on the A303, particularly at summer time.
They've also wanted to see the road taken out of view from the ancient monument itself.
Among those featured in the video is Janice Hassett, an active member of the Stonehenge Traffic Action Group and a Shrewton resident, who says:
"People have been waiting for this for 30 years. For us to be getting something done at last is just brilliant news. The village will be much more peaceful, how a village on Salisbury Plain should be. We're looking forward to getting a better life and getting our village back."
Nicky Phillips, headteacher at St Michael's Primary in Larkhill also speaks out:
"To be able to see Stonehenge in that huge green space, rather than having traffic go past it continually, would give children a far greater sense of what it would have been like when it was built."
You can watch the full video here:
WHAT'S PLANNED FOR THE A303?
The approval for the project was given by the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps in November, for:
- A 2 mile long tunnel that will take the A303 out of view from Stonehenge itself
- Work to improve Longbarrow and Countess roundabouts, with a flyover for the A303 at the Amesbury end
- A bypass for Winterbourne Stoke, with the road going across a viaduct over the Till Valley
But getting the green light has proved controversial, as it went against the recommendation of the Planning Inspectorate, following a year long examination.
WHAT ABOUT THOSE AGAINST THE PLANS?
Campaigners who don't want to see the tunnel go ahead have cited the impact it could have on the World Heritage Site, the environmental problems it could cause during construction and the possible disruption to archaeological sites.
A petition launched by the Stonehenge Alliance, calling for the project to be halted, has now gained over 200,000 signatures.
There's also been an application lodged for a judicial review into the decision, after a crowdfunder raised the initial £50,000 needed to pay for the legal costs.