Farmers angry at path re-openings

Walkers are eager to get back on to closed footpaths

Moves to re-open footpaths in areas of Wales hit by foot-and-mouth have been criticised as premature by farmers.

The comments come as parts of Gwynedd and Anglesey are re-opened to walkers ahead of the May bank holiday weekend.

Farming unions have said caution is still required in the light of fresh outbreaks of the disease in north Yorkshire.

Restrictions are relaxed in Snowdonia

But Iwan Huws, Snowdonia National Park, said he felt talks with farm union representatives had been positive.

"I am looking forward to opening all the mountains in Snowdonia, not just Cader Idris," he said.

But Anglesey farmer Eifion Hughes said he disagreed with the stepping up of path re-opening.

"You have to be careful. It is better to stay shut an extra week than open a day too soon.

"Look at the situation in North Yorkshire. We have to be extremely careful if people think they can wander all over the place."

Crisis in Wales

Total confirmed cases UK-wide 1,639 - with 91 in Wales

Powys - 57 cases

Anglesey - 13 cases

Monmouthshire - 16 cases

Caerphilly 1

Rhondda Cynon Taff - 1

Neath Port Talbot -1

Newport - 3

Mike Barton, from Anglesey Council, said the authority remained vigilant in the light of the 13 cases on the island and culling operation.

"The council has met with farmers and unions and the decision has been made to re-open footpaths in non-infected areas," he said.

Welsh Assembly Environment Minister Sue Essex said that she welcomed the "positive response" from councils, in the light of the latest veterinary advice.

Ms Essex spoke during a visit to mid and north Wales to reopen a foot path through Bron-y-Buckley nature reserve in Welshpool.

The minister also and visit the newly reopened Llyn Geirionydd, in Llanrwst Forest District, near Betws-y-Coed.

Councils including Blaenau Gwent, Conwy, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Wrexham councils have announced the reopening of their footpaths with immediate effect.

Tourist paths on the Gower Peninsula will be re-opened at the weekend by Swansea council.

"This guidance is based on the expert veterinary advice that the amount of infection in circulation has considerably reduced now, with warmer weather and drier conditions meaning that the viral survival rates are much lower," said Ms Essex.