RAMBLERS and joggers from the Bolton area are defying foot-and-mouth restrictions.

Now North West Water officials have put up signs banning the use of several local footpaths after requests for co-operation failed.

The ban includes paths near Lower Rivington Barn on the outskirts of Bolton.

Despite many signs being erected throughout the week asking the public to help combat the spread of foot and mouth disease, officials say the message has not sunk in.

Notices

North West Water has now been given permission by council bosses to replace signs asking people to refrain from using certain rights of way with notices directly banning access.

Land Agent for North West Water, Stephen Watson said: "Despite putting up signs asking for public co-operation we have still received reports of joggers and walkers carrying on regardless.

"There has been so much media coverage, that really we shouldn't even need signs to tell people to keep away. The signs should just be informing people of what they already know. But for some reason we still aren't reaching everyone. We don't know if they have ignored the signs or simply didn't see them but we have now imposed a complete ban."

Working with the Ministry Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Bolton Council is closing all footpaths within the borough which lead directly through farmland and countryside or are adjacent to such areas. This will affect Smithills Country Park, the West Pennine Moors, Jumbles Country Park and Moses Gate Country Park.