TWO Dales youth hostels are among ten axed nationwide in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) lost an estimated £5m as a direct result of the epidemic last year.

With footpaths closed to limit the risk of spreading the disease, the organisation's main source of income was reduced to a trickle.

However, bosses remain determined that the association's investment programme should remain unaffected - and that will mean closing some of the organisation's hostels.

Aysgarth, in Wensleydale, is on the hit list, along with Linton in Wharfedale. Both are in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Meanwhile, other hostels at Baldersdale and Langdon Beck, near Barnard Castle, in County Durham, and Kettlewell near Skipton, North Yorkshire, have escaped the cuts.

"This was a very hard decision to take, but a necessary one in the circumstances,'' said YHA chairman Chris Boulton.

"Taking this action now will safeguard our ability to continue with necessary investments and plans for the future.''

The news was still greeted with dismay in Wensleydale.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority member John Blackie, who also represents Wensleydale at district and county council level, condemned the decision and claimed the YHA was using the foot-and-mouth crisis as "a flag of convenience to enter into the property market".

"The choice of hostels to close does not surprise me at all,'' he said.

"Both Linton and Aysgarth are among those which would be considered excellent sites for redevelopment.''

Richmondshire district councillor Colin Bailey pledged to continue pressing the YHA for a rethink.

"This is devastating news for the local tourism industry," he said. "We have to make every effort to persuade them to think again.''

Baldersdale Youth Hostel deputy manager Ray Milner said the news was good for the Teesdale economy.

He said: "We have had so much support from the local community and we are delighted, and pleasantly surprised, that we have been saved."

Any companies wishing to form a tourism partnership with Baldersdale Youth Hostel can contact either Angela Middleton or Ray Milner, on (01833)650629