VISITORS are being encouraged to use two of Wharfedale's most popular attractions - although efforts to control foot and mouth have this week been intensified.

Leeds City Council, along with other authorities across the country, is implementing further steps to minimise any potential spread of the foot and mouth disease.

Leeds Leisure Service has laid out specially disinfected mats at the entrances of two of Wharfedale's popular green and natural

environment spaces in a bid to control the

disease, following the latest guidelines from MAFF.

Four large absorbent mats have been placed at the entrances of Danefield Estate at Otley Chevin and three at Golden Acre Park in Bramhope to help ensure people entering or leaving the grounds do not transmit the

infection. Visitors are being asked to wipe their footwear rigorously on the mats when entering and leaving the areas.

There are three entrances on the East Chevin Road, two of which lead in to Danefield Estate and one to the Otley Chevin. There is also another entrance on York Gate that leads to Otley Chevin.

MAFF and Leeds City Council have warned visitors to stay out of direct contact with

grazing land.

Disinfected mats have also been placed at the A660 entrance of Golden Acre Park along with the car park under-pass and the Arthington Lane entrances.

Steve Hunt, Leeds Leisure Services' Chief Parks and Countryside Officer said: "We are encouraging people to visit the countryside and enjoy themselves.

But, we are asking them to help us prevent any potential spread of the disease by rigorously wiping their footwear on these mats on their way in and out of these two areas which will help clean-off any likely infections they may carry.

We also continue to urge people to keep away from land on which there is livestock and to keep dogs on leads."

Leeds Museum Resource Centre in Yeadon was due to reopen yesterday.