GOVERNMENT ministers are today scrapping plans for the proposed £540m road improvement scheme at Stonehenge, which would have included a controversial 2.1km bored tunnel.

The news has been greeted with disappointment from English Heritage but joy from environmental groups.

English Heritage issued a statement saying it was "very disappointed" that the scheme was not going ahead and it added: "The decision signals the end of the project championed by the DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) and English Heritage over the last eight years which sought to improve both the landscape setting of Stonehenge and the visitor experience.

"The project, collectively decided upon by a range of national and regional stakeholders, was the best and most practical means by which the agreed vision for the Stonehenge World Heritage Site could have been achieved.

"However, it is encouraging that the Government recognises that improving the setting of the Stones and the visitor facilities is a priority. English Heritage will work closely with other stakeholders to look into alternative ways to achieve this."

Meanwhile the Government's decision was welcome by the Campaign for Better Transport, which said: "We've been saying for years that the plan to build a tunnel and road through the World Heritage Site would be an environmental and financial disaster.

"We're glad the Government has seen sense to drop this brutal scheme. We're pleased that the Government is considering investing in small-scale improvements, as we had recommended and hope that his means safety improvements."