Rising cost of Stonehenge tunnel

The original estimate for the cost of the tunnel was £183m

The cost of a controversial tunnel under Stonehenge has risen again to £223m, the government has admitted.

When the scheme for the 2.1km tunnel and approach on the A303 in Wiltshire was announced in 2002, it was estimated that it would cost £183m.

The latest figure emerged in a response to a question from Simon Hughes MP.

"These figures are currently being reviewed... some further increase in costs is now anticipated," Transport minister Dr Stephen Ladyman said.

"Details of the revised cost will be announced alongside our decision on the inspector's report following the public inquiry into the Stonehenge improvement scheme."

Meanwhile, revamped plans for a multi-million pound visitor centre at Stonehenge are on display for public consultation at the library in Amesbury on Thursday and Friday.

The centre can only go ahead if the plan to build the tunnel under Stonehenge is approved by the Department for Transport.