Ref. 15237-6A BAN to stop four-by-fours and motorcyclists using an ancient Wiltshire beauty spot has moved a step closer, following a landmark House of Lords ruling.

Peers have voted to stop the vehicles using the 6,000 year-old Ridgeway trail - thought to be Britain's oldest road after hearing fierce complaints of an "explosion" in their use, making the lives of ramblers, horse riders and cyclists a misery.

Off-road enthusiasts and bikers have been blamed for many of the potholes and damaged grass verges along the 76-mile track that stretches from Avebury to Tring in Hertfordshire.

Pat Crabb, chairwoman of the Wiltshire Ramblers' Association (North East Wiltshire branch) is delighted with the ruling.

She said: "This is a long time in coming. It's just the result that we wanted because of the amount of damage that is being done to Ridgeway.

"The road surface makes it very difficult for ramblers to walk on."

While Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Wiltshire County Council's cabinet member for the environment, is pleased with the ruling, she fears it may not be the end of the problem in the county.

"I am absolutely delighted with the ban. For many years the Ridgeway has suffered at the hands of the drivers. The noise of the vehicles spoils the quiet enjoyment of the countryside.

But she remained concerned that off-road drivers would go to other places in Wiltshire, and "simply spread the problem". The decision has angered many motorists who use the trail.

Martin Hillier, secretary of the Cotswold's 4x4 Club , which covers Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, said: "I think that we need strike a fair balance.

"We (the members) agree that people should have a fair and even share of the Ridgeway but unfortunately the ramblers take a very high and moral stance and want us kicked out."

Mr Hillier said that agricultural vehicles are to blame for much of the damage to the road surfaces.

"There is a fair bit of misinformation floating about. I think people will agree that farm traffic going up and down the trail do more harm than 4x4s," he said.

Under present law, drivers have a right of way along parts of the route, which is still classed as a byway.

But Baroness Scott of Needham Market, a Liberal Democrat who led the revolt, attacked the legislation. She said: "National trails such as the Ridgeway are becoming unsafe. The time has come for action.

"Walkers and cyclists should not have to battle seas of mud in the winter and trenches in the summer. These historic routes deserve better protection," the Baroness said

The Government will have an opportunity to overturn the ban when the Bill returns to the House of Commons.