Bottle-diggers are turning part of Oxford's historic Port Meadow into an eyesore, says a city councillor.

Wolvercote councillor Jim Campbell is demanding action after noticing several holes had appeared at the edge of the meadow, near the Trap Grounds conservation area off Palstead Road.

The area is a site of special scientific interest and a scheduled ancient monument.

Anyone caught digging there can be charged with criminal damage and face a maximum fine of £5,000 or two years in prison.

Bottle-diggers are thought to be targeting the area because it is the site of a Victorian rubbish dump. An intact 19th century bottle can fetch up to £70.

Cllr Campbell said: "This area is protected and damaging it is absolutely illegal. The people who are doing this are ruining one of Oxford's most valued and beautiful areas. There is also a lot of glass just left lying around. I am worried about livestock getting badly injured."

The city council now plans to hold random checks to catch the culprits.

Estate manager David Karslake said: "What they are doing is illegal and action will certainly be taken to stop it."

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