Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Solstice ban on Stonehenge ends

Allan Smith
Monday 12 April 1999 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

WILTSHIRE POLICE will not apply for the usual four-mile exclusion zone around Stonehenge this year over the summer solstice.

The landowner, English Heritage, says the stones will be closed to the general public although it intends to allow limited access to more than 100 people with bookings.

English Heritage is now in talks with police over security arrangements. The exclusion zone was brought in after violent clashes between police and new-age travellers at the so-called Battle of the Beanfield in 1985.

The ban was used to stop numbers of vehicles and travellers converging near the monument site. Its success could be seen in the rapidly dwindling numbers over past years - and the lack of trouble.

But a recent ruling in the House of Lords held that the public had a right of passageway along the highway, provided there was no nuisance or obstruction.

Last year about a hundred people attended the solstice celebrations at the stone circle, including Druids, pagans, astronomers, archaeologists and local residents.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in