PARISH and town councils are set to take on more responsibilities after Oxfordshire County Council made a new agreement.

Under its 'Oxfordshire Together' programme, the cash-strapped county council has been asking smaller councils to take on duties such as grass cutting, weed control, salt bin management, public footpaths, school crossing patrols and annual highway inspections.

It has also asked them to help run libraries and children's centres.

However, a report to senior councillors said highways bosses had been unable to enter into agreements for the new duties.

This was because a different 'section 101 agreement' was required under the Local Government Act 1972.

The change of wording was approved at a meeting of the cabinet on Tuesday, April 19.

In a forward to guidance for parish and town councils, county council deputy leader Rodney Rose wrote: "As the size of the public sector is shrinking, we will rely even more on our

communities to drive local development and design local solutions.

"In 2015 we launched the initial conversation with communities under the Oxfordshire Together programme, and I was much encouraged to see that a high number of communities have come forward to express an interest in.

"This shows, once again, what vibrant and resourceful communities we have across the county.

"Over the next months and years I hope to work closely with parishes, towns and community groups to develop practical and efficient solutions that will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people of Oxfordshire."