THANKS for publishing my letter about North Yorkshire County Council opening paths (May 21). The letter suffered in the same way as my complaints about the county - it was delayed.

Since my letter was written a meeting of the County Access Group was held.

On behalf of the Ramblers' Association I supported the action set in place to open paths in North Yorkshire - along with the NFU and the Country Landowners' Association.

Teams at district councils and the National Parks are identifying paths that are away from livestock and suitable for walking.

Ramblers' Association Wednesday walkers were able to walk in the North York Moors National Park last week for the first time since the outbreak of foot and mouth.

Notices clearly set out paths that are open, but all others remain closed.

The importance to the rural economy of such activities must not be underestimated, and the latest outbreak at Settle is reported as losing income to businesses other than farming of almost £7 million a week on average.

Responsible walking is to be encouraged, but people having contact with the infected areas must stay away, dogs must be on leads or left at home, and the opened paths must kept to.

Chris E Bush,

Ramblers' Association, Footpath liaison officer,

Albemarle Road, York.

Updated: 10:48 Wednesday, May 30, 2001