Land train plan to be opposed

The idea has been mooted as part of a scheme to restore Stonehenge to its original setting and build a visitor centre near the Countess Road roundabout on the outskirts of Amesbury.

Durrington parish council chairman David Healing told a public meeting in the village last Friday night that the proposed route for the land trains would pass very close to the rear of houses in Strangways and Fargo Road, in Larkhill.

He said that, with up to 12 trains an hour in each direction there would be a significant impact on the lives of residents and - despite statements to the contrary by English Heritage - local estate agents had assessed that property values would slump and that properties might become unsaleable

More than 100 Durrington and Larkhill residents attending the meeting, held at Durrington village hall, recognised that visitors would have to be transported to Stonehenge but unanimously agreed that the parish council should oppose the planned route and put forward viable alternatives.

They also signed a petition which, when completed, will be handed to English Heritage.

At the same meeting, residents also gave their unanimous support to the drawing-up of a village plan and design statement for the communities of Durrington and Larkhill.

Afterwards, organiser of the meeting Councillor John Rodell said he was delighted at the public response to the idea.

He said: "This is a clear indication of the strong community spirit in Durrington and Larkhill.

"The residents want the opportunity to take their future in their own hands by developing the plan and design statement.

"I am encouraged by the number of people who want to help by serving on the steering group."

A proposal by Sue Gardner and Julie Edwards to develop the now empty Roman Catholic Church in Charles Road, Durrington, into a centre for community-based projects was also enthusiastically received.