THERE are increasing concerns that the byways surrounding Stonehenge could be closed for the autumn equinox this year.
This comes as Wiltshire Council said it is “considering its options” about possible closures following previous incidents of people setting up long-term encampments at the site.
The byways surrounding the historically spiritual stones have seen closures once again this year to carry out surface repairs, and work has so far been extended due to what Wiltshire Council said is down to the “complexity of the site.”
The byways have been used by people throughout the years to get close to the stones without having to pay for parking at the English Heritage-owned car park.
The autumn equinox takes place on September 22 this year and due to Stonehenge’s alignment to the sun, the site will once again see many people gather to celebrate the changing of the seasons as English Heritage allows free ‘managed open access’ to the stones, similar to the solstices.
But some of these regular attendees oppose having to park at the Stonehenge car park, opting instead to park up at the byways to enjoy the celebrations without handing money over to English Heritage.
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Now, Wiltshire Council said it is considering possible restrictions to the byways following “inappropriate use” during large gatherings.
Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways said: “Over the years, we’ve seen instances where certain vehicles have caused significant damage to the surface and surrounding environment.
“In some cases, individuals have used the byways as long-term encampments, which has led to issues with waste management and poses a potential fire risk.
“While the byways remain closed to motor vehicles, they remain open for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.”
A man who has routinely spoken out about concerns of English Heritage creating a monopoly over parking at Stonehenge, pagan priest King Arthur Pendragon, said closing the byways would result in the festivities becoming “sanitised”.
He is also concerned at the prospect of English Heritage eventually levying a parking charge.
King Arthur Pendragon has spent his life campaigning for free access to Stonehenge
“Having the byways open at times of celebrations and pilgrimage, such as solstice and equinox, allows many people to attend and, throughout the year, allows a place to ‘pull in’ for tourists and pilgrims alike and many disabled people who could not otherwise access the views and vistas of Stonehenge freely and safely,” he said.
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“To close the droves to vehicles would sanitise the area and celebration giving English Heritage not only the monopoly on parking but also the ability to levy a charge, something they guaranteed they would never do at solstice and equinox when giving evidence to the Public Inquiry, and to control numbers in attendance.
“It is quite simply part of the authorities’ predisposition to control and to sanitise.”
King Arthur claims that Wiltshire Council is considering further traffic restrictions due to the money the council has already spent on the remedial repairs to the byways surface.
Wiltshire Council said the current restrictions could be extended into August.
Cllr Martin Smith said: “The byways were closed due to their condition, with ongoing work throughout the year.
“This project has been prolonged due to the complexities of working within the World Heritage site.
“The current closure, which only restricts motorised vehicles (excluding motorbikes), may be extended into August to complete the works. The byways remain open for pedestrians, equine users, and cyclists.”
Not everyone CAN travel in diesel buses, let alone walk that far. It is just blatant disability discrimination.