§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What evidence they have received of damage caused to the Ridgeway and to archaeological sites in the vicinity of the Ridgeway trail by 4x4 vehicles; whether they will commission a study of the use of these vehicles on the Ridgeway; when they expect to receive the audit of the condition of the trail by the Ridgeway Management Group; whether they will invite users of the trail to comment on the audit; and whether they will consult the Countryside Agency about the action which is needed to protect the trail from damage caused by vehicles pending the discussion which is to be held at the Ridgeway Forum on 24 September; and [HL4133]
Whether they have commissioned any research on the causes of damage to the Ridgeway national trail. [HL4386]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord Whitty)We have received correspondence on the state of the Ridgeway but we expect the outcome of the Ridgeway Management Group's audit report to provide a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the surface. This will not include an assessment of the archaeological site near the Ridgeway. A study of the 400 metre corridor of the way was undertaken in 1998 and the Ridgeway heritage project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is currently restoring several monuments which needed work. We have no plans to commission a study on the use of vehicles on the Ridgeway in advance of any recommendations that may be made as a result of the audit report. The audit is due to be completed in June. We anticipate receiving a copy sometime that month. The intention is for the audit to be discussed by the partners locally and by a wider forum, which will involve users, to develop a local strategy for discussion at the Ridgeway Forum. The Countryside Agency are members of the Ridgeway Management Group and are very much involved in assessing the audit and providing recommendations resulting from it. As Alun Michael said recently in the House of Commons, we will support conclusions that are based upon evidence and a strong consensus at local level.