New fears over foot and mouth

Sunday Mirror, Jun 10, 2001 by CATHY COLEMAN

A NEW outbreak of foot and mouth in an area untouched by the disease has led to fears that the countryside will remain a "no-go" area this summer.

The latest case was confirmed yesterday on a farm near Bridgwater, Somerset, 15 miles from the nearest previous outbreak and just as footpaths were being reopened.

South West Tourism chief executive Malcolm Bell warned: "If it is the start of a string of cases like we saw in Lancashire and Yorkshire then it is potentially devastating for the area."

In the Lake District half the high fells and footpaths reopened yesterday. Cumbria Tourist Board spokesman Allan King called it " an important step in the return to normality."