BLUEBELLS in Westwood will not be accessible by cars this year, after the roads were deemed too 'uneven' to allow the public access.

The floor of the forest, near Marlborough, is turned purple at the end of each Spring as bluebells open up for around two weeks.

Marlborough and District Lions usually open up the forest for the Bluebell Drive as a key fundraising event letting cars into the area to explore deeper into the forest than on foot.

However the Forestry Commission has ruled that the risk of damage to cars is too high and will only allow visitors on foot.

A notice on the Marlborough and District Lions website stated: "It is with great regret that Marlborough & District Lions Club will not be able to manage the Bluebells at Westwood this year. This is due to the Forestry Commission not allowing us to open the gates for cars to access.

"Their official response is : Regretfully, the Forestry are unable to grant permission for Marlborough Lions for Bluebell Drives in West Woods this year. Unfortunately, due to the risk of damage to public vehicles from the uneven road, we cannot open the forest gates for the Bluebell Drive this year.

"Marlborough & District Lions Club apologise for any inconvenience this may cause as we know that there are many people who look forward to this every year. We hope to be able to put it on again next year."