CONSERVATIONISTS say not enough is being done to protect one of Britain's oldest roads.

The Friends of the Ridgeway say they are appalled over the lack of action proposed to protect the ancient road following a conference with the Ridgeway Management Group.

The Friends say the group, comprising members of the Countryside Agency and borough and county councils, are not doing enough to stop vehicles from ruining the national trail.

Pressure has been growing for a complete ban of all non-essential vehicles on the 6,000-year-old track.

This would include 4x4s and motorbikes, but access would still be granted to emergency and farming related vehicles.

Swindon Council has already placed a traffic regulation order on a three kilometre stretch of the Ridgeway, between Foxhill and Bishopstone, while they repair the chalk surface.

But chairman of the Ridge-way Friends, Ian Ritchie, says this is not enough.

He said: "The meeting in Oxfordshire on Tuesday un-veiled a 13-point plan to delay taking any action.

"The management group have completely missed the point. They want to com-mission yet more expensive surveys when we all know what the solution is.

"Banning non-essential motor vehicles from The Ridgeway would solve the problem, save taxpayers' money and encourage many more people to get out to enjoy this wonderful place."

There is now a 12-week consultation period, during which the Friends of the Ridgeway are calling for support to protect the land from further damage.

Mr Ritchie added: "It is the oldest and once the most beautiful in the country and it would be so simple to restore it to its former, pre four-wheel drive, glory."

Tim Stevens, the national officer for the land access and recreation association also attended the meeting and said other factors, such as the weather, could be just as much to blame for the damage.

Mr Stevens said: "In 2000 the Government introduced the Countryside and Right of Way Act which tightened the noose on hooligans.

"This hasn't yet been put fully in force so the Friends of the Ridgeway should wait. Under the Act police will be able to confiscate vehicles if people are careless and inconsiderate.

"I never promote the Ridge-way if someone asks me where to go but the problem is other areas are in a worse state than there. Other places need to be maintained and promoted."

John Lightfoot, 64, also supports the public right of way as the chairman of the North Berks Motorcycle Club.

He claims the tractors are more to blame than motor-bikes for the damage.

"I have been involved in the Ridgeway for 43 years and it has played a major part in my life," he said.

"I learned to ride up there when I was 16 and I don't see why my grandchildren can't do the same. We go up there yo compete but horses do more damage."