PRECAUTIONS against foot-and-mouth have been reintroduced following a suspected outbreak of the disease at a farm in the Crankwood area of Abram, Wigan.

And some restrictions have been introduced in Leigh in response to the situation.

Walkers in the Abram area are asked to observe Restriction Notices which have been posted in the area, prohibiting access to footpaths and rights of way within a 1km radius of Chadwick's Farm.

Some restrictions have also been re-introduced to Pennington Flash Country Park in Leigh less than two miles away at the Plank Lane end of Crankwood Road.

Council officers from Wigan will be carrying out spot checks to ensure these restrictions are observed and anyone found breaching the restrictions will be subject to a fine of up to £5 000. In addition, dog owners are requested to keep their pets on a lead at all times.

Council vehicular and pedestrian visits to farms within 1km of the suspected outbreak are also being restricted until further notice.

Farmers requiring advice on disinfection should call the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Foot and Mouth helpline 0845 0504141 or visit www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth.

A council spokesman said: "We are taking these precautionary measures while waiting for DEFRA to confirm whether or not we have a case. We believe it is best to be safe rather than sorry."