CARS will be banned from driving on a part of the Ridgeway National Trail this summer to protect monuments at Stonehenge and Avebury.

From May 1 to 30 September, a temporary ban on cars will be put in place on part of the trail between Overton Hill and Hackpen Hill to repair the surfacing which can be damaged by vehicles.

Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, said: β€œIt’s important we do all we can to protect this area with its archaeological heritage.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but the repairs required are essential and the subsequent investigation work will help us and our partners establish how we best protect this beautiful area in the future.”

Walkers, cyclists, horse riders and horse and carriage drivers will be able to continue to use the route at all times.

A seasonal ban already comes into force on the route throughout the wetter winter months, between 1 October and 30 April.