RURAL communities have slammed alternatives to the Stonehenge tunnel that would require new roads to be built near their homes.

Both the notorious Parker Plan and Alternative Route Two (also known as the Jackson Route) suggest bypassing the stones with newly constructed dual carriageways that would see traffic running through the picturesque valleys north of Salisbury.

Speaking at the inquiry last week, David Nicolle, of the Save Bourne Valley action group, launched a scathing attack on the Parker Plan, which would divert vehicles off the A303 on a 14-mile detour through the Wylye, Woodford and Bourne Valleys.

"A lot of people, on looking at the plan, thought it was so ridiculous that it would not be considered seriously," he said.

"When they realised that it was being considered as an alternative at a public inquiry, they were shocked.

"Mr Parker claims there was widespread support for his plan ... we have already received registered objections from more than 1,500 people."

Mr Nicolle branded supporters of the Parker Plan "contradictory", asking how they could reject the 2.1km tunnel on grounds it could be a terrorist threat, while their proposal involves tunnelling under the military runway at Boscombe Down, which he said was a higher-risk target.

And, despite making several amendments to the Parker Plan, he said, the Association of Council Taxpayers, which promotes it, had failed to persuade villagers of any environmental benefit.

"No amount of tinkering with the Parker route, or any other similarly appalling plan, will stop it from causing untold damage to the landscape of the Bourne, Woodford and Wylye Valleys," said Mr Nicolle.

"Nor will it stop the significant increase in the levels of airborne and noise pollution or the demolition of homes.

"Instead of reducing traffic, Highways Agency figures reveal that it would lead to an additional 22,000 to 33,000 vehicles per day being diverted on a new road through some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK, and destroying it forever.

"People have been amazed that it appears public money can be committed to the consideration of such whims, which deeply concern those of us directly and adversely affected."

Woodford Valley residents are similarly worried by John Jackson's Alternative Route Two, to build a Stonehenge bypass from Stapleford to the east of Amesbury.

"The Woodford Valley is very favoured," said Woodford Valley resident Sylvia Parrett.

"It is an area of simple, unspoilt natural beauty and diversity.

"A dual carriageway and viaduct would destroy that beauty and bring noise, disturbance at night and pollution."

Mrs Parrett said the route would also divide the valley in two.

"All residents identify with belonging to the valley," she said.

"The development of AR2 would effectively cut the community in half.

"This whole inquiry is about Stonehenge and its protection as part of our heritage.

"It is right that the idyllic and tranquil Woodford Valley and its community should similarly be protected."