(Copy of letter sent to Wilts County Council)I feel I have to write in support of all who use the Ridgeway on two wheels or three.

There is obviously a problem with the deep rutting of sections but this is clearly done by four wheeled vehicles, some of which are not even four wheel drive! How can any motorcycle make a pair of parallel trenches 12 inches wide and 18 inches deep which in some instances cover long distances.

This is what we are being blamed for. All motorcycles that use the Ridgeway are road legal and as an MCC member I am convinced I speak for others who do not use the Ridgeway without due care and respect of other users.

There are those who consider an outright ban on vehiclar use on the Ridgeway is the only way to protect it but the type of individual who is currently causing damage is the same person to ignore thie type of restriction and we (the good guys and gals) will not be allowed access to witness and report them.

I also have to say that the farming community who make use of the arable land adjacent to this ancient amenity are not without blame as their vehicles can cause immense damage and are more likely to be in use in the wetter conditions when the worst damage can occur.

As community leaders you are empowered to look after our amenities but in denying all vehicular access you deny any reasonable chance of catching those responsible or at least severely restricting their activitites.

Issue guidelines to the motorcycling enthusiasts and advise the police that you want action taken on all reported incidents.

Encourage those who want to continue to use this part of our national heritage and sooner rather than later the idiots who cause the damage will get bored and find something else to do.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to your reply in due course.

IAN NEVISON

Avening Street

Gorsehill, Swindon