FOOTPATHS through Spennells Valley Nature Reserve are now the only ones in the district still closed as a result of foot and mouth disease.

The reserve lies within a three kilometre protection zone around Sparum Farm in Stanklyn Lane, which was the site of a huge pyre lit to dispose of infected carcasses.

Andrew Dickens, head of cultural, leisure and commercial services for Wyre Forest, said the council was waiting for the all-clear from the new Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before reopening the reserve.

Worcestershire County Council has now begun reopening all public rights of way, apart from those that fall within the three kilometre zone, as a result of guidance issued by DEFRA.

The advice was slammed by Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, whose constituency covers Hartlebury, Torton and Summerfield. He accused DEFRA of reopening paths while "tightening the screws" on farmers over foot and mouth precautions.

He has tabled a parliamentary question asking for a full public enquiry.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said an investigation based at Stourport into fraudulent claims for compensation and illegal movement of livestock across the force area had come to an end.

She said no further action would be taken as a result of the probe, launched on April 10.