THE National Trust this week set out its argument against proposals for a road tunnel underneath Stonehenge.

The conservation charity believes the £193m scheme would damage the world heritage site and presented its case at a pre-inquiry meeting on Monday. It will present its views in full at a public inquiry into the project due to begin on February 17, 2004.

The 12.4km project between Amesbury and Berwick Down aims to rid the site of traffic with a 2.1km tunnel and return the stones to an ancient setting.

The charity, along with English Heritage and the Highways Agency, wants to transform the landscape by removing the visual intrusion, noise and pollution caused by the A303 and A344. It also wants to reconnect the stone circle with the rich historic landscape that surrounds it and provide new and improved visitor facilities. Martyn Heighton, the National Trust's territory director west, said: "We have an unprecedented opportunity to reverse the damage caused to the site and to ensure its spirit of place is secured for the future.

"The proposed scheme for a 2.1km tunnel beneath Stonehenge could bring substantial benefits. But the Trust is not persuaded enough is being done to conserve and enhance the spirit of place, landscape and archaeological interest of Stonehenge."