A TRADER close to the Pendle Hill foot and mouth restrictions has made a desperate plea for customers to return and said: "We're still open for business".

Rita Baxter, the owner of Sabden Heritage Arts and Craft Centre, Whalley Road, claimed business had dropped by 65 per cent since restrictions on rights of way were imposed back in February.

And now publicity surrounding Pendle Hill's closure on Hallowe'en has resulted in trade plummeting to an all time low, she said.

Lancashire County Council announced two weeks ago that the hill and surrounding countryside rights of way would be closed for the October 31 celebrations.

The council warned that officers would patrol the area to make sure the restrictions were enforced, and threatened anyone who breached them with penalties.

Mrs Baxter said that since the public had misunderstood the restrictions and thought roads were closed, so they stayed away.

The centre is in its second year of trading and Mrs Baxter had a business plan to build on the success of the first 12 months. She is anxious to get back on track.

"Ever since foot and mouth came it has hit us badly," she said.

"We compiled a business plan and we are near enough 65 per cent down from what we expected for our second year in business.

"The roads are still clear and the area is accessible. We're still here and are open.

"We need to get people to come back here. We are open and want them to come and have a look at what we've got.

"Since the closure of Pendle Hill on Hallowe'en was announced trade has been terrible." Everybody just seems to have completely vanished, and it was bad anyway.

"We have had this since the end of February so it has been a long, long time." The centre has 1,500 square feet devoted to art work and craft from local artists, as well as a tea room