SALISBURY MP John Glen has demanded answers over the Government’s decision to scrap the Stonehenge tunnel scheme, warning Wiltshire is now left without a clear plan to tackle “enormous congestion”.

Raising the issue in the Commons during a November 20 debate on Transport and Economic Growth, Mr Glen pressed Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to spell out what alternative investment is being considered for the area following the cancellation of the A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down improvements.

“Following the decision to cancel the A303 improvements at Stonehenge, the focus in Wiltshire is on what else can be done, particularly around Salisbury, to remove some of the enormous congestion that exists that clearly impacts on economic growth,” MP Mr Glen said.

Thanking National Highways for recent discussions on potential work around Wyndham Bridge, he asked: “Can the Secretary of State set out what she sees as an alternative investment in Salisbury and south Wiltshire, following the A303 decision?”

In reply, Ms Alexander referenced prior talks, including the long-debated A36 bypass.

“I believe that the right honourable Gentleman has met my colleague… where they possibly discussed the A36 bypass around Salisbury,” she said.

“I am happy to meet him and talk to him further about any other ideas that he may have, in addition to the conversations he has already had with National Highways.”

The cancellation of planning for the controversial Stonehenge plan, resulting from a 2024 spending review, has angered some amid controversy over the tunnel’s environmental impact versus its economic benefits.

Council leaders from the Wessex region have warned revoking the Development Consent Order risks undermining long-term economic planning and squandering a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to fix the A303.