Bikes banned from Iron Age trail

The 6,000-year-old route was used by prehistoric man

Cars and bikes are being banned from part of a delicate prehistoric trail for seven months of the year to prevent any further damage being caused.

Two areas of Oxfordshire's Ridgeway, an Iron Age track, will be closed to motor vehicles from October until April.

There were concerns that trail-bikers were churning it up.

Oxford County Councillor Roger Belson said: "The Ridgeway is one of Oxfordshire's treasures. It needs to be protected from damage."

Bikes seized

The ancient chalk ridge route, used by prehistoric man, runs across the Chilterns and the Wessex Downs.

The restrictions are in place west of Wayland's Smithy in the Vale of the White Horse, at Lattin Down above Wantage and a section from Britwell Salome to the A40 at Lewknor.

It follows a temporary ban last winter.

Bikers found in those areas face a fine and possible prosecution.

Others found in areas outside the restrictions but causing a nuisance face having their motorbike seized.