MEMBERS of Swindon Motorcycle Club have defended their right to use the Ridgeway.

The motorcyclists hit back at efforts by Friends of the Ridgeway to ban all non-essential vehicles from the 85-mile, 6,000 year-old route running from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire.

Now they want a face-to-face meeting with South Swindon MP Julia Drown, who has backed the Friends of the Ridgeway campaign and raised the matter in Parliament, to put their side of the argument.

SMC chairman Gary Wooster, 45, of South Marston, said: "Let's sit down and talk about this we don't want to be tarred with the same brush as those who don't care about the Ridgeway.

"We are all careful, considerate and cause minimal damage to the route. This debate has been blown up out of all proportion by a few interested parties who have all got ulterior motives and want to ban us from all countryside routes.

"We've got nothing against anyone the Ridgeway is here for all to use and enjoy and the majority of its users support us being here there's plenty of room for everyone."

The Friends of the Ridgeway claim that 4x4 vehicles, quad bikes and trail bikes are ruining the route by destroying its surface and driving away wildlife. The group, which is supported by mountaineer Chris Bonnington and Olympic gold medallist Chris Brasher, recently removed their support for the ancient route's Code of Respect in protest against many 4x4 drivers who don't respect it.

Through a quirk of the law, because horse drawn vehicles once used the western section of the Ridgeway, it is now legal for all taxed and insured motor vehicles to use the route.

But the SMC, formed in 1932, pointed out that their members use bikes that were road legal, taxed and insured and always took mobile phones to inform police of stolen and dumped cars or any other illegal activity on the Ridgeway.

They have even written to Ms Drown to plead their case, but claim their correspondence has gone unnoticed.

Ms Drown said: "There are serious problems because of the irresponsible 4x4 drivers who have been ruining the route for the many walkers and cyclists who come to admire the wonderful scenery.

"I'm very proud of the scenery around Swindon and we have to make sure it's preserved."

Joan Mortimer of Old Town, who was out cycling with her son yesterday morning, said: "I've no problem with motorcyclists using the Ridgeway they're always considerate and there's plenty of room for everyone."

Horse rider Leslie Catling of Winterbourne Bassett added: "I don't mind motorcyclists so much as long as they stop and give us a wide berth, but the 4x4 drivers really cause a mess."

Swindon Council, responsible for the Ridgeway's upkeep, is set to discuss banning all non-essential vehicles at a meeting of the Transport, Environment and Neighbourhood Services Commission next month.