A SWATHE of North Yorkshire farmland has been placed back on red alert after foot and mouth disease was found just over the border, in Cumbria.

Tight restrictions were imposed on land around Ingleton following the outbreak at Penrith Spur.

All traffic entering or leaving farm property in the area will have to be cleansed and disinfected. Under the "blue box" restrictions, they will also have to implement several bio-security measures.

Ray Anderson, regional operations director for rural ministry DEFRA, said: "This is a very worrying development and we are determined to hit it hard and fast.

The total number of cases in North Yorkshire now stands at 134. Nationally, 2,026 cases have been recorded.

Meanwhile, Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh is calling on businesses in her constituency to give her as much information as possible about the effects of the foot and mouth crisis.

She also wants to know about the impact on local businesses of the American terrorist attacks, as she prepares for her new role as junior opposition spokesman on tourism. She said the consultation aimed to assess the cost of the crisis, and to consider future preventative measures.

Anyone who wants to take part in the consultation can send information to Miss McIntosh at the House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

* Studley Royal Deer Park, near Ripon, was reopening to vehicles today after being closed as a precaution against the spread of foot and mouth.

Updated: 10:43 Friday, September 28, 2001