AMID mounting pressure to reopen county footpaths, council officers were locked in discussions with ministry officials yesterday.

More of Malvern's hills and commons could be open within days if Worcestershire County Council gives the go-ahead.

Officers in discussion with the new Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), were hoping to make a decision by the end of the day.

Ian Rowat, director of Malvern Hills Conservators, said: "We are here to keep the hills open and I can see no reason why some areas such as Old Hills, Raggedstone Hill and Chase End Hill should remain closed. As soon as I get clearance I will get them open very quickly.

"I realise there's an issue of stock and people mixing at Castlemorton but I'm urging Worcestershire County Council to move as quickly as possible.

"If they say we can open the southern hills I hope Herefordshire and Gloucestershire councils will agree to opening British Camp. I would like to see everything open as soon as possible."

Both authorities are among 27 English councils criticised by the Ramblers' Association for having more than half their footpaths still closed.

Worcestershire countryside sites manager Andy Maginnis said more than 20 per cent of the rights of way had been reopened so far.

"We're keen to reopen rights of way and other access land outside the three kilometre protection zones as soon as possible," he said. "This will enable people to get back into the countryside and be a boost to local businesses and tourist attractions. However, we need to be sure it will not lead to the return of foot and mouth."

The Ramblers' Association accused Herefordshire of failing to implement government guidelines on reopening rights of way.

It says the guidelines, published in May, make it clear that only paths within three kilometres of a foot and mouth case need to remain closed. So far the council has opened seven per cent (230km) of paths.

Engineering and transportation chief Stephen Oates said preparations were being made for phased reopening now that the worst of the crisis is over.