More foot and mouth restrictions lifted

Earlier, Hawkshaw, Holcombe and part of Ramsbottom were subject to a foot and mouth "infected area" status.

Although walkers have been allowed back along local footpaths for several weeks now, the change in status will mean that some of the more stringent restrictions on farming activity will now also be lifted.

A new system of licensed animal movements was put in place yesterday (Sept 24) with the local authority's environmental services at Textile Hall in Bury acting as a one-stop-shop for farmers applying for movement licences.

Bury Council's public protection spokesman, Councillor Pam Walker, said: "Under this new scheme it will be possible to move, for commercial purposes, livestock from farm to farm under the authority of a licence. "For the purposes of these movements, Bury is considered to be an 'at risk' area.

"The existing licensing scheme for movement of animals to slaughter remains in place with relevant information and application forms being sent out to livestock owners to supplement previous advice. As before all footpaths in the borough remain open."

However, as previously stressed, anyone walking or riding on public rights of way across agricultural land containing livestock is being urged to take precautions. They are as follows:

Don't go on to farmland if you have handled livestock in the last seven days.

Avoid contact with farm animals and keep dogs on a lead where livestock is present.

If you step in dung, remove it before you leave that field.

Don't go on paths identified with a Bury Council "closed" notice.

Councillor Walker added: "Foot and mouth disease has not been totally eradicated across the country and the local authority will continue to monitor the situation.

"Should a spread of the disease require the closure of parts of the rights of way network in the future, it is hoped that the public will show the same patience and understanding as they did earlier in the year."