FOOTPATHS across North Yorkshire may still be closed to the public but council bosses are already planning their reopening.

While no paths will be reopened in the immediate future because of the foot and mouth threat, North Yorkshire County Council has drawn up plans in preparation for the lifting of restrictions. The proposals, outlined at a meeting of the Rural Economy Task Group, set out criteria for future re-openings, explained the council's chief executive Jeremy Walker.

"Following four new cases this week - two of which were in parts previously uninfected - it would be premature to re-open footpaths at present," he said.

But, he said, because the crisis was affecting the county's massive tourism industry there is a need to be ready for a reopening in the future.

"The county is still open and we do welcome visitors - the coast, market towns, national parks, rural pubs and many other attractions are still open."

"To make sure we open the footpaths at the right time we will be working with other agencies such as the district council and the national parks.

"In the mean time when people do visit we hope they will stick to the basic rules which are to keep off farmland and moorland, keep away from animals, keep dogs on leads, keep to the roads and observe restriction signs."

Updated: 15:30 Thursday, April 05, 2001