A parish councillor has resigned because colleagues refuse to back his plans for more cycle routes.

John Robertson told Chinnor parish councillors he was disappointed by their attitude.

He said he would carry on campaigning for the routes in Chinnor, Henton, Emmington and Sydenham to link up with the new Phoenix trail.

He said: "In all honour, I had to resign.

"I could not campaign for something which my fellow councillors opposed and still remain on the parish council.

"I hope whoever replaces me will back these cycle route ideas."

Mr Robertson, who has been on the council for two years, wants existing footpaths made up into routes for cyclists, walkers and horseriders.

He would like them to link with the Phoenix Trail, the recently-opened route along the former railway line between Thame and Princes Risborough, which is part of the national cycle network.

Mr Robertson said: "There is the feeling countywide and nationally that cycling should be encouraged - but not, apparently, in Chinnor."

Council chairman Lyn Mumford said the council voted overwhelmingly against upgrading the paths.

She said: "We feel footpaths should stay that way, not become hard-surfaced routes six feet wide.

"We feel they would attract off-road motorcyclists and quad bikes.

"I am sorry John feels he has to resign but the council was very definitely against his plans."