Countryside not closed says minister

Some paths may soon be open, says the government

Foot-and-mouth has not left the countryside "out of bounds", Environment Minister Michael Meacher has insisted.

He warned people to stay away from farm animals, but said numerous attractions such as historic buildings, markets and beaches were open to explore as normal.

Beaches are still open despite the virus

The message was intended to end the confusion over access to rural areas which is threatening to cripple the tourist industry.

Mr Meacher, who chairs the Rural Task Force set up by the prime minister on Monday, said: "The countryside is not out of bounds.

"There are lots of places you can visit and things you can do, but you have to behave responsibly and you must stay away from farm animals and obey all local restrictions."

Most footpaths remain closed but the task force is reviewing which ones can safely be opened -- meanwhile the advice is that any tarred road is safe to walk, cycle or drive on.

Web advice

The Countryside Agency is putting new maps and information about what is open, county by county, on its website. More information is available on the government's agriculture and transport department sites.

The chairman of the Countryside Agency, Ewen Cameron, said: "The dramatic drop in visitors to the countryside is affecting businesses throughout rural areas irrespective of whether foot-and-mouth is located nearby.

There are lots of places you can visit and things you can do, but you have to behave responsibly and you must stay away from farm animals and obey all local restrictions

Michael Meacher

English Heritage said 85 of the 409 historic sites which it manages are open while 201 sites in rural areas are closed as a precaution against the disease.

The remaining 123 sites are normally closed at this time of year and it is hoped to open many of these as planned on 1 April.

Pam Alexander, chief executive of English Heritage, said: "We are obviously concerned that the closures have an impact not only on our own revenue but also on the surrounding local economies, many of which rely heavily on tourism.

"While we are keen to support tourism and bring life and revenue back into the wider rural community, our priority must be to take all necessary measures to ensure that we act in line with current guidelines."

The National Trust said about 20 of its properties remain open.

Friday's guidance from the government applies to England only - the devolved assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland and the Scottish parliament will be issuing their own guidelines based on local circumstances.