Action is being taken to legalise a public footpath in the middle of Charlbury.

It follows public uproar in the town last year when the path, between Playing Close and Sheep Street, was suddenly blocked off.

Notices have been put up at both ends as the first step in the county council's formal process of establishing it as a public right of way.

Residents, as well as Charlbury Town Council, have claimed the path had been used by local people for decades.

Anita Coghlan, senior rights of way officer, said yesterday: "The path was not on the definitive map, the legal record for footpaths, and we are now getting round to legalising it."

Landowners who acquired the path through the redevelopment of Charlbury's old primary school site, were worried they would be liable for damages in any accident.

They put up six foot high wooden fencing panels and a gate with lock and chain.

But they were taken down after residents mounted a protest campaign.

There is a six week period for objections.

Ms Coghlan added: "If anyone does make an objection to the order we may have to submit the process to a public inquiry."