Farmer apologises for cows on A34 (From The Oxford Times)

Farmer apologises for cows on A34

6:00pm Friday 20th July 2012 in Oxford

A FARMER last night apologised after two cows escaped onto the A34 west of Oxford and shut the road in both directions.

The animals escaped through an insecure fence and made their way to grass on the embankment of the carriageway during the morning rush hour.

David Crutchley, manager of Wytham-based Food Animal Institute, said: “I am deeply sorry if they caused anyone any problems and I am very grateful for everyone’s patience in letting us sort it out.”

Police closed the southbound stretch at 8.55am and the northbound six minutes later. Both lanes were open by 9.20am.

Mr Crutchley said: “A little bit of a fence was not as secure as it should have been.

“As a precaution the police stopped all the A34 traffic rather than having them move around amongst the traffic.

“Cattle will not go on to a road where there is moving traffic, but they are very inquisitive animals.”