HAREWOOD House has decided against opening this weekend - because of the foot and mouth disease crisis.

The historic house had been due to open yesterday, but trustees have decided to put back the opening

probably until April 6.

David Lascelles, chairman of the trustees, said: "Having given the matter careful thought, and particularly in the light of the recent confirmed cases in Yorkshire, we feel we have no option other than to delay opening Harewood and its grounds and gardens.

"We feel this action is an essential precaution to help safeguard not only Harewood's own animal population and wildlife, but also an important local measure as our contribution to the nationwide effort to minimise the risk of spreading this dreadful virus, with its catastrophic environmental and economic consequences to our countryside and rural economy."

Terry Suthers, director of the Harewood House Trust, added: "Whilst we are deeply sorry to disappoint the thousands of people who would

normally be visiting Harewood in the coming days and weeks, we feel we should not be encouraging travel around the region at this time of movement restrictions."