Oxfordshire County Council has been accused of passing the buck on foot and mouth restrictions.

Banbury MP Tony Baldry said decisions on reopening the countryside were being left to parish councils and individual farmers.

Oxfordshire County Council has sent green notices to landowners telling them they can open up footpaths outside the infected area, and in areas where there is no risk of the disease spreading.

But Mr Baldry said there was complete confusion over whether footpaths were usable or not - and he also called for restrictions to be relaxed.

He said: "It is a heavy responsibility for local people to take on. The county council should take the lead."

*One farmer whose sheep are subject to foot and mouth restrictions has had 14 lambs killed by dogs this year. Graham Woodard, of Slinketts Farm, Bloxham, near Banbury, has shot one dog found chasing ewes - and police have told him he is within his rights.

*Wigginton Wildfowl Sanctuary, near Banbury, which has lost more than £7,000 during the crisis reopened on Saturday.