An unholy row has broken out after pagans claim they have been stopped from camping next to Stonehenge for the winter solstice.
A crowd of 5,000 is expected at the site on December 22 – the shortest day of the year – but 400 who hoped to pitch tents say they have been thwarted.
Officials have closed Byway 12, a gravel road close to the stones and where pagans hoped to gather.
Druid Stuart Hannington – dubbed the Wizard of Tottenham – fears it will stop worshippers observing the moon and performing rituals.
He said: “It’s like taking Christmas away from Christians. They think we’re drunk, stoned hippies just having a party.
“Paganism is the most accepting religion and we’re being persecuted as usual. If this was any other faith or religion there would be uproar.
"How come the council can get away with this? There is so much awareness about religious tolerance, yet people in power do not seem to understand us.”
Pagans – 53,000 in the UK at the last count – hold a spiritual reverence for the natural world and head to Stonehenge for the first sunrise after the solstice.
Ex-carer Stuart said: “I wear a green robe and a cape and perform ceremonies. We might sing, recite poetry or do a circle for the full moon. It’s very peaceful and we leave the place cleaner than we find it.
"Like many pagans I rely on this event to recharge my batteries.
"The winter solstice is a special time of year.”
Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council’s highways chief, said: “We want people to enjoy the event and every year close Byway 12 for the safe, managed, open access so everyone can enjoy the solstice safely.”
