I read with some disappointment and concern the article regarding the motorised vehicle ban on Smeathe's Ridge (Advertiser 19/12/03).

I am disappointed because I am a motorcyclist who enjoys riding the unsurfaced roads of Wiltshire and can sense the determination of those who seek to effectively make my hobby illegal by banning motorised vehicles from all unsealed routes. I am sure Smeathe's Ridge is only the first in a long line of routes whose use by all will be challenged in the not too distant future.

Looking at the photograph of Ian Ritchie in the article I see what appears to be tracks made by vehicles with axles and wheels at each end, not single tracks made by motorcycles.

It is a shame Wiltshire County Council has decided to impose an all out ban and not been a little more selective in their decision. I am also concerned that by banning vehicles from certain unsurfaced routes it will result in increased use of the remaining legal routes.

That will put more ammunition in the hands of those that seek to ban motorised vehicles as the routes will be put under much more stress and the chances of meeting powered transport will be more frequent.

What I wonder would happen if the anti-vehicular groups achieve their aims and all routes are made illegal?

Will those affected simply give up their hobby, sell their equipment at a dramatic loss due to the market collapsing and move on to something else? What about all those that make a living from supplying that market, their businesses will also suffer greatly, or even collapse. Maybe everyone will just give up . . . but maybe not.

Neville Daytona

Wroughton