ESSEX farmers risk higher repair and maintenance costs and increased insurance premiums as a result of the growth in public access to their land.

The problem was highlighted by an Appeal Court ruling which found a farmer liable after cattle caused a road accident when they strayed through a gate a walker left open.

Land agents Strutt & Parker said: "Because the farmer was held responsible and not the walker, the ruling means a landowner's duty of care extends to guarding against the carelessness of people lawfully on his land.

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, the public will have access to any land designated as "open country".

The court ruled the farmer should have taken more steps to ensure the gate was closed.

Signs should have been put up asking that the gate be shut and the gate fitted with a self-closing mechanism. Failing that, the gate should have been locked and alternative access offered by a stile or kissing gate."