Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has won his battle to protect his privacy from "nutters and paparazzi" by rerouting a footpath.

The 60-year-old rocker, currently touring in America, wanted the path moved away from his rural retreat in West Wittering, near Chichester, which he bought in 1966.

He asked West Sussex County Council to move the path, which runs 10m from his thatched house, claiming ramblers peered into the grounds.

At a council rights of way committee meeting yesterday, councillors voted to divert the path to the other side of a nearby field, taking walkers away from the property.

Chairman Bill Acraman said: "Someone well known is more vulnerable than you or me.

"We are aware of what the paparazzi do. We are well aware of what nutters can do.

"Whether they be Prime Minster or pop star, they are more vulnerable than you or I. I strongly feel we should be able to go the extra mile."

Councillor Louise Goldsmith said while walking the route, she could see into the garden and view people playing football, which she said was "quite intrusive".

A spokesman for Mr Richards said he was on tour in America and unavailable for comment.

However, a band source stressed Richards spent most of his time in Connecticut and only visited his Chichester house when he wants "some quiet."

He said Richards was well liked in the community.