PARLIAMENT has discussed banning vehicles from the Ridge-way.

The Friends of the Ridgeway have waged a long running cam-paign to stop non-essential vehicles using the 6,000 year old route.

The group claims that 4x4 vehicles, quad bikes and trail bikes are ruining the trail by destroying its surface and driv-ing away wildlife.

The campaign is backed by South Swindon MP Julia Drown and former Swindon Mayor Arthur Archer.

Ms Drown said: "We are very pleased to have the opportunity to raise the state of the Ridgeway in Parliament.

"There are serious problems because of the irresponsible 4x4 drivers who have been ruining it for the many walkers and cyclists who come to admire its wonderful scenery.

"I am very proud of the scenery around Swindon and we have to make sure it is preserved."

The debate has cross party support in Parliament, with MPs from all parties in constituencies that the Ridgeway passes through offering their support.

Swindon Council is to discuss banning all non-essential vehicles at the Transport, Envir-onment and Neighbourhood Services commission next month.

In Parliament, Robert Jack-son, Tory MP for Wantage, called for the introduction of Traffic Regulation Orders to ban all non-essential vehicles from the trail.

The debate follows steps taken by the Friends of the Ridgeway last week when they removed their support for the ancient route's Code of Respect in protest against the many 4x4 drivers who ignore it.

The 85-mile path runs runs from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Bucking-hamshire.

Through a quirk of law, because the western section of the Ridgeway was once used by horse drawn vehicles, it is now legal for motorised vehicles to use it.

The Friends of the Ridgeway is supported by high profile individuals including mountaineer Chris Bonnington and Olympic gold medallist Chris Brasher.