A campaign to stop four-wheel-drive vehicles using the historic Ridgeway has gained more support.

People living near the Ridgeway at Watlington, Lewknor and Chinnor are joining forces with people in Wantage to get the off-road vehicles banned from the ancient track.

They are asking Henley MP Boris Johnson to join the Wantage MP, fellow Conservative Robert Jackson, in pressing for legislation to protect the prehistoric track.

The Ridgeway runs from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe in Buckinghamshire, but campaigners say much of its length has been churned up by off-roaders in four-wheel-drive vehicles, making it virtually unusable for other people.

Beatrice Bradley, a former Watlington Parish Council member who regularly walks her dog on the Ridgeway, said: "With the recent wet weather the ruts are up to 18 inches deep and cover the whole of the walkable area.

"These people are ruining the ancient roadway with their vehicles.

"It is part of our heritage and deserves our respect.

"I'm afraid that only legislation from Parliament will stop it -- the off-roaders won't desist by themselves."

She was backed by Lewknor Parish Council chairman Gill Bindoff.

She said: "As with most things like this, it is the inconsiderate minority which is ruining it for everyone. People round here feel using the path is now too dangerous.

"The damage in some parts is so severe that people risk breaking limbs if they use it.

"The feeling is pretty widespread that the time has come for positive action to protect this ancient route from the predations of the 4X4 brigade."

She said that, in addition to contacting Mr Johnson for his support, the council was urging Oxfordshire County Council to take action.