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Foot And Mouth - West Sussex Countryside Open But Please Show Respect For Farmers |
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Written by step
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Wednesday, 08 August 2007 |
West Sussex County Council is acting to keep the countryside open but at the same time helping farmers anxious to prevent
Foot and Mouth disease.
Walkers are being asked to respect advisory signs farmers may put up on footpaths, which
cross or border fields where animals are grazing.
The sign says: “Should you wish to use this path, please appreciate
that it runs across and through farmland.”
The signs will say the footpath is still open. Those who want to continue
their journey will be asked to use a disinfectant footbath or pad provided by farmers.
People may also see a layer
of straw or disinfectant pads provided by farmers on bridleways.
Farmers who want to display advisory signs will
be able to download them from the County Council’s website.
The move is also being supported by the Ramblers’ Association,
and the National Union of Farmers’.
Lionel Barnard, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection,
said: “It is important to stress that the countryside is open as usual.
“At the moment the national advice is that
there is no need for us to close footpaths and bridleways.
“However, we have to strike a balance between ensuring
people can still enjoy the countryside with the very real concerns of our farming community.
“The signs are a good
compromise. They will be in place purely to advise, and I am sure that people will respect them.
“I would also
like to remind people of the need to keep to the Countryside Code such as keeping dogs on leads.”
Lionel
said all County Council departments were maintaining a high level of
vigilance, and working closely with the Department for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), other Government departments, and
officers from neighbouring Surrey.
He added:
“We are all hoping that there will be no further outbreaks.
“But, there is no room for complacency, and we have
all the necessary emergency plans and procedures in place should it come to the worst.”
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