The government has scrapped plans to construct a road tunnel under the Stonehenge World Heritage Site in Wiltshire.

Heritage groups hoped the 1.3-mile tunnel scheme would reduce traffic-related damage to the historic site and improve Stonehenge’s setting.

Transport Minister Tom Harris said: “Allocating £500m for the implementation of this scheme cannot be justified.”

Chair of the Salisbury & Stonechenge Tourism Partnership, Mary Webb, said: “Stonehenge is one of Britain’s icons, attracting thousands of visitors to our area, so I am frustrated that the government is not prepared to invest in protecting the UNESCO site or commit to providing a suitable road scheme to relieve heavy seasonal congestion.

“We hope to persuade the government to invest now in road improvements and provide a visitor centre for one of the country’s prime cultural assets and heritage icons.”