THE Yorkshire region of the Country Land and Business Association is enjoying a boom in membership.

New rural issues and growing concern about the future of the countryside have seen business membership pass the 4,000 mark.

"It makes us the most effective voice for Yorkshire's rural economy and the livelihoods of those who live and work in the countryside," said Dorothy Fairburn, regional director.

Most rural organisations have experienced declining membership in the last decade as agricultural incomes fell and BSE and foot-and-mouth took their toll, but the CLA in Yorkshire is now seeing a turn-around, as are branches in Cornwall and Wales.

Concern over the Single Payment Scheme, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act and the future of country sports attracted new members; other business members cited taxation and red tape.

"Such are the changes brought about by this Government that there is probably a greater need for expert advice than ever before," said Miss Fairburn. "It was major change in land and property law that led to the CLA being founded in Yorkshire nearly a hundred years ago and quickly becoming a national lobbying force."

l Countryside campaigner Michael Willoughby has been appointed vice-president Europe, to represent the CLA in the European Landowners' Organisation, an EU lobbying group.

The manager of the Birdsall Estate near Malton, Mr Willougby is chairman of the CLA's Yorkshire region and a member of its national council and executive.

The ELO aims to ensure EU policies promote a prosperous and attractive countryside and that private land ownership can continue to make a positive contribution to the rural economy and environmental management.