NORTH Yorkshire County Council has decided to re-open selected footpaths in the county for Easter, but those in the national park will remain closed for the time being.

The movement came after MAFF encouraged local authorities, in consultation with land-owners and managers, to re-open footpaths where the risk of spreading foot and mouth disease was low.

Paths on non-agricultural land and forest paths where there is no farming activity within 10 kilometres of infected premises will be reopened.

Notices featuring the words "Public Rights of Way - Open" will be displayed on any re-opened path, together with advice for walkers. Keeping dogs on a lead and not straying on to agricultural land are essential precautions.

County council chief executive, Jeremy Walker, said: "This cautious and limited approach is a step in the right direction.

"Our first priority must be to contain the spread of foot and mouth disease. It would be premature to reopen all footpaths at present. We have to take a precautionary approach.

"Looking ahead, we are finalising risk assessment criteria for other rights of way and depending upon the course of disease, will be examining the case for further reopening after Easter."

David Butterworth, chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: "The county council's decision is the right one at this time. With the majority of the national park an infected area, it is vital the right of way closures in the national park remain in place.

"Regardless of the closures there is still plenty to do. As of this week all of our centres are open seven days a week, with staff on hand to tell the public what is still on offer and provide information about the many attractions and events they can visit."

The move has also been welcomed by the Craven Foot and Mouth Task Force, co-ordinated by Craven District Council.

Co-ordinator Rachel Mann said: "The decision not to open the footpaths and bridleways in the agricultural areas of the district should be applauded.

"The rights of way should only be opened when it is considered safe to do so and after the views of the whole community have been taken into account."

Bradford Metropolitan District Council, which covers parts of South Craven, has also reopened a number of woodland and countryside areas to the public as from this weekend.

Yorkshire Forward has released more than £600,000 to help rural communities during the crisis.

It has given £390,000 to North Yorkshire County Council to use to develop new ideas in agriculture industry, to provide a rural stress worker, to fund a worker to build supportive networks for rural communities, to provide advice to farmers on diversification and business growth and to employ a network information officer.

A further £200,000 of Yorkshire Forward funding will be used to respond to short-term problems, and £50,000 is being given to a marketing campaign, promoted by the Yorkshire Tourist Board.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society has launched a fund to channel gifts to the region's farmers.

The society has put in £50,000 and say the response from the public has been tremendous. The cash will help farmers in Yorkshire.

Anyone needing assistance from the fund should contact Chris Andrews on 01845 577326. Those wishing to make a donation should ring 01423 541000.

A new Government initiative has been set up to help businesses affected by foot and mouth diseases.

Tourist and retail businesses suffering cash flow problems will be able to apply for loans of up to £250,000 from the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme.

Further information can be found at www.businessadviceonline.org/ SFLGS.