Ref. 28510-28POP queen Madonna should throw open the gates of her Wiltshire country estate to allow walkers to enjoy the countryside, according to keen local rambler Jon Gambles.

A public inquiry is to decide whether the material girl's 1,200-acre estate should be opened to the public under the provisions of a new right-to-roam law.

But Mr Gambles from Brinkworth said Swindon ramblers deserved the right to wander the beautiful Wiltshire downs, near Tollard Royal.

Mr Gambles, 57, who is the access officer for the Ramblers' Association in the Swindon area, has walked in the area many times.

He described Madonna's estate, in south Wiltshire near the Dorset border, as "prime downland in lovely rolling country".

"I imagine that's why she moved there," he said.

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, which came into effect in 2001, the Countryside Agency is charged with drawing up a map giving public access to many mountains, moors, heaths and downs.

Madonna, who moved into her

£9 million Ashcombe House estate with her husband Guy Ritchie two-and-a-half years ago, is appealing against the inclusion of 12 parcels of her property in this open land category.

It is understood the couple has become increasingly concerned about the threat to their privacy.

But Mr Gambles said her fears were unjustified.

"I think it's very reasonable for people to be able to walk on her land," he said.

"It may be that fans will trespass but they're doing it because they are fans not because they're ramblers.

"I don't think that should curtail the right of responsible walkers."

Mr Gambles said there were strict rules preventing walkers from going within 20m of buildings, including sheds and outbuildings. Lawns and houses were also excluded. "The Act requires we don't trample down fences and walls, upset livestock, or leave gates open," he said.

"You wouldn't be able to stop fans going on her land but generally speaking most people are out for a short stroll.

"You can't legislate to cover those who intend to break the law."

The Planning Inspectorate is to hold a public inquiry to settle the dispute but has not yet announced a date.

Mr Gambles said he would be disappointed if Madonna won, but said he was confident the legal system would come down on the side of the public.

If it did not Mr Gambles predicted ramblers would make representations to reverse the decision when it came up for review in 10 years' time.

A spokeswoman for the Countryside Agency said Madonna's high profile would be irrelevant to the outcome of the inquiry.

"Famous people don't have any more protection than the rest of us," she said.

Andy Tate