Fears are growing that Skipton's tourist trade could be hit by the foot and mouth epidemic.

The town is right on the edge of the animal movement restriction zone imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Police have also closed some roads and imposed access-only orders in the Malham area of the Yorkshire Dales.

Tourist watchdogs say Skipton is still open for business, but visitors are being urged not to encroach on to areas that are out of bounds, especially over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Farmers in Gargrave, where the outbreak has now struck, fear more of their colleagues are likely to fall victim.

John Beckwith, who farms Home House Farm, Gargrave with his brother Martin, said: "We are very close - it's frightening."

And 68-year-old Thomas Harrison, of Ivy House Farm at Gargrave, said: "Things are looking ominous."

The epidemic has already hit visitor numbers to the Embsay and Bolton Abbey steam railway near Skipton.

Press officer Stephen Walker said: "Visitor numbers are down by 40 per cent already.

"People are telephoning asking if we're open and if there are dead animals at the side of the line, because they don't want to bring their children if there are."

He said the Day Out with Thomas was still planned for Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 26-28.

"We are taking every precaution to make sure vehicles are disinfected when they come on the site," he said.

Bolton Abbey estate manager Ben Heyes said: "Limited parts of Bolton Abbey estate are open, but if people stray we will have to consider more restrictions or even closing."

He said the Cavendish Pavilion was open and the river stepping stones as well as the sandy area near the river. People could also walk in Strid Woods.

Skipton Tourist Information Office manager Sue Swales, said Skipton Castle and canal cruises, as well as the market, were still operating.

She urged people to check venues before setting out.

The annual visit of The Red Wyvern Society, a group which re-enacts life at Skipton Castle during the Wars of the Roses, will take place between Saturday and Monday, May 26-28.

Skipton Gala will take place on Saturday, June 9, but the annual agricultural shows at Malham, Gargrave and Kilnsey, due to take place later this summer, have been cancelled.

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@bradford.newsquest.co.uk