THE foot and mouth outbreak could hit the new cricket season in North Yorkshire if the crisis is not resolved before the end of next month.

Many clubs in the York Vale League, Nidderdale League and some in the York and District Senior League are based in rural areas, and there is a fear that holding matches could aid the spread of the disease which, by infecting livestock, has already had a disastrous impact on the farming industry.

Both leagues are scheduled to begin at the end of April but, if an end to the problem is not in sight by that time, the start dates may have to be put back or the structure of the competitions altered.

York Vale League secretary Shane Hargrave said: "Fortunately we're still about five weeks away from the season, but we are conscious that potentially it could affect us. At the moment we're sitting tight, which is really all we can do.

"Our concern is that 40 to 50 per cent of our clubs have got fields adjacent to farming land, particularly where livestock are grazing.

"There are other factors to consider, for example if there are outbreaks near our clubs or whether we come in a restricted zone. But if the worst comes to the worst and if some clubs can't play at home there is no way we can start the season as a competitive league."

The league are holding a pre-season secretaries' meeting on April 9 and if need be a plan of action will be drawn up then.

"We haven't got as far as making contingency plans yet but we must address that in the next couple of weeks," said Hargrave.

"If the crisis is ongoing then a decision will be taken then as to whether we start the league season on time."

Hargrave said the league were still awaiting advice or orders from the Yorkshire Cricket Board as regards the situation. "We expect decisions to cascade down from them. I would have thought that they would take a view as to what should be happening," he said.

"The whole situation is unprecedented. We've not had anything quite like this before."

The York and District League, now sponsored by Hunters Estate Agents, may also have to make contingency plans.

The issue will be raised at a league committee meeting on Tuesday, where a plan of action may be drawn up.

League secretary Albert Pattison said: "If the situation continues, some clubs could be affected and if they are we will have to try to do something to allay the problem."

Updated: 11:32 Saturday, March 24, 2001