Conservationists have welcomed a ban on off-road vehicles

The West Sussex County Council ban, which takes effect within two months, will ban 4x4 drivers and motorbike riders from the path near Graffham.

Off-roaders had damaged parts of the path surface while others had illegally used prehistoric burial mounds as a scrambling course.

"We are all delighted with the ban," said Graffham resident Eric Rimmer.

South Downs Way

Sussex Downs Conservation Board said the decision marked the end of years of debate.

South Downs Way national trail officer Bill Jenman said that the path became very muddy as a result of vehicle use.

The national trail and SDCB had to spend money repairing the path to allow walkers, riders and cyclists to get to and from Graffham and the South Downs Way.

"It is great that this problem has been resolved at last," he said.

"It is never easy to reconcile the interests of off-road vehicle drivers with those who prefer a peaceful countryside but in this case the need for a ban was clear."