Campaigners' fury over 4x4 drivers 'ripping up' protected chalk stream

Eco-campaigners have vented their fury at rural folk driving their 4x4s over a protected chalk stream. The River Meon is one of 260 chalk streams on the planet and home to wildlife including voles, otters, salmon and trout. Protesters have now turned out in droves at the 200-metre stretch of ancient byway in Droxford urging the council to ban the unusual practice - which is legal due to the waterway being designated as an unclassified road.