ACTION is being taken in a bid to halt antisocial behaviour in an ancient Newport woodland.

Barriers are set to be installed as part of measures to ban vehicles from two routes with Wentwood Forest.

It has suffered from fly-tipping, fires and vandalism which has discouraged legitimate users of the woods as well as costing thousands of pounds.

It is the largest ancient woodland in Wales and a successful appeal, backed by the Argus, helped the Woodland Trust buy a substantial part of the forest in 2006.

Council leader Cllr Matthew Evans has agreed the proposed traffic orders should be advertised and then brought into force.

Cllr John Guy, whose family have visited the forest over many years, was one of those who responded to the proposal.

He criticised those who were “turning such sancturies into dumping grounds and eyesores”, deterring families from visiting.

Both the Woodland Trust and Forestry Commission Wales, the main owners of Wentwood, asked the council to make the orders.

In a report they said they had become increasingly concerned about the effects of anti-social behaviour.

FCW estimated it spent about £20,000 each time it had to remove fly-tipped rubbish such as fridges, building materials and tyres.

Last year the Woodland Trust spent £3,000 removing rubbish.

Raves have also taken place with one involving more than 3,000 people and 1,000 vehicles.

"There is regular vandalism to contractor's machinery and theft of diesel. The lighting of fires is a constant problem. Burnt out and abandoned cars are frequently found deep within the wood," said the report.

"All of this has had an adverse impact upon the sensitive natural environment of the woodland, and upon the enjoyment of its many visitors."