POLICE and Cheshire County Council have launched an offensive against walkers who are ignoring signs prohibiting rights of way at Marbury Park.

And anyone caught will face a fine of up to £5,000.

The county council has closed thousands of public footpaths with notices at entrances warning people that access is forbidden in a bid to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease.

But the county council and police have been deluged with calls from farmers and landowners about people flagrantly disregarding the signs.

Council Leader Derek Bateman said: "It is unbelievable that anyone should ignore the warnings.

"We cannot think that many are unaware of the fact that as a county and as a nation we are facing a crisis.

"Nor can we believe that there are many who do not know that this disease can be passed on in almost any way you can think of - in the air, by vehicles by humans and other animals.

"We do not want to prosecute anyone, but neither do we want this county to experience the terrible devastation and heartbreak it suffered during the 1967 outbreak."

The county council has closed 11 country parks and green walks including Little Budworth County Park, Big Wood and permissive bridleway at Marbury Park and Whitegate Way.

A police spokesman added: "We are working closely with Trading Standards officers to assist with the enforcement of prohibitions and to ensure that the public respect the closure of the countryside sites and footpaths."