VANDALS have been tearing down closed signs and throwing them into the river along the towpath in Marlow, encouraging people to walk along the scenic route and risk spreading of foot and mouth.

A field at the end of the path, near Bisham Abbey, is used by animals but is waterlogged at the moment.

Terry Carter, trading standards officer for Buckinghamshire County Council, said: "If people are tearing down signs and walking through areas used by animals that is a concern."

He added: "These people are breaking the law. This is something that is quite difficult to control and we do rely on the co-operation of the general public.

"We will investigate this issue."

Mr Carter explained that even if the animals were not grazing in the area there was still a substantial risk. He explained: "In these damp conditions the disease can live on the ground for some time. The danger is when the animals are returned to graze in the area."

Marlow town mayoress Margaret Done said she had applied to Buckinghamshire County Council to remove the restriction on the towpath and was awaiting an official response.

She added: "It is a cause for concern. I would advise people to respect the closure. As a dog walker I used to use that path but we all have to stick to the rules."

The closest South Bucks has come to a foot and mouth outbreak was a suspected case at Bockmer Farm in Medmenham in March. An eight-kilometre exclusion zone was placed around the area and the movement of animals within the area was prohibited for three weeks.