People protest Stonehenge tunnel as National Highways bring 'chatty van' to Salisbury
Action groups have been following them around
A group of people gathered in Salisbury city centre today (Tuesday 24th May) to protest about the A303 Stonehenge tunnel scheme.
It's because National Highways brought their 'chatty van' to the Guildhall Square, so the public can ask questions to the team behind the project.
King Arthur Pendragon and the Stonehenge Heritage Action Group say they wanted to be there as they claim National Highways aren't telling people the "full picture".
The group have been following the chatty van around since Saturday, as it toured around the county.
It finishes its journey tomorrow in Durrington and Amesbury.
The Secretary of State for Transport is currently relooking at the planning application for the scheme, following the quashing of the decision to grant the Development Consent Order last year.
New information has been submitted to Grant Shapps by National Highways.
Arthur Pendragon told Greatest Hits Radio:
"The reason I'm protesting today and what we're gathered here with different groups is because we're opposed to the tunnel but National Highways are trying to talk it up and say what a good idea it is. Unfortunately for them the groups didn't agree and said it couldn't go ahead but they're like children, they behave like spoilt brats they keep jumping up and down until they get the answer they want."
Andrew Clark, National Highways’ A303 Stonehenge deputy project manager, said:
“We respect people’s right to protest. In the meantime, we remain confident the A303 Stonehenge scheme is the best solution for tackling this long-standing traffic bottleneck, improving journeys, reducing noise and pollution, bringing much needed relief to local communities and boosting the economy in the south-west. Ultimately, by removing the existing road we will return the Stonehenge landscape to something like its original setting.
“We’re currently touring Salisbury and surrounding towns and villages close to the planned A303 Stonehenge scheme with a ‘chatty van’ to provide updates for residents, community groups and businesses.
“It’s not a formal consultation. It’s a while since we’ve engaged with local communities and we are simply giving anyone who might be directly impacted and those interested in the proposed scheme the chance to speak to the project team, who can answer any questions and provide an update on where the scheme’s at, such as our ongoing survey work.”