Council staff are so busy 'making good' sub-standard work done by contract gardeners that they can't do their own jobs.

Continental Landscapes, the firm contracted to look after Banbury's parks and gardens, has improved its performance since a warning about poor work - but could still do better.

A report to Banbury Town Council from Cherwell District Council's head of leisure services Ian Davies said more improvement is necessary and that too many council workers are being used to do work that should be the contractors' responsibility.

In June, Continental Landscapes was given 28 days to rectify areas of unsatisfactory performance, including shrub bed maintenance and footpath clearing.

Mike Mitchell, Continental Landscapes' Banbury manager said: "We are addressing the problems and liaising with the council. There is always room for improvement on both sides."

The problems with the company do not extend to the Bicester and Kidlington areas.