TOURISM bosses fear that delays in reopening footpaths could put the Northern region at a disadvantage in bouncing back from the foot-and-mouth crisis.

A decision to reopen paths in a further 16 local authority areas over the weekend means many parts of the UK can now boast widespread access to the countryside.

But the danger of sporadic outbreaks of the disease has forced many paths in the North-East and North Yorkshire to remain closed, prompting fears that tourists might forsake the region and get into the habit of holidaying elsewhere.

Latest Countryside Agency figures show just 36 per cent of paths in Durham are open, three per cent in the North York Moors, five per cent in the Yorkshire Dales and 20 per cent in the rest of North Yorkshire.

And many of the paths open in Durham are in the east of the county, less well-provided with tourist hotspots.

In the Derbyshire Peak District, 90 per cent of paths are open, and even in the Exmoor National Park in Devon, one of the worst-hit counties, 75 per cent of rights of way are passable.

Richard Spencer, head of marketing for Northumbria Tourist Board, said lack of walking opportunities meant some visitors who would normally head for the North-East had been forced to change their plans.

He said the board's research suggested visitors saw their expectations exceeded when they came to the North-East, but it would still require substantial work to persuade them to come back next year.

"We have to strike a balance between getting these things open and making sure foot-and-mouth doesn't reoccur," he said.

"We were first into this problem and we genuinely don't want to be the last one out."

Meanwhile, the lifting of restrictions on some 70 farms has given Middleton-in-Teesdale and Baldersdale fresh hope.

The ease in restrictions, imposed three kilometres around a foot-and-mouth hit farm, means the relaxation of movement of animals and the strict hygiene conditions placed on the movement of people, vehicles and machinery.

The announcement is a major boost for the farming community around Teesdale, although farmers will still have to apply for a licence before they can move any animals.

Teesdale farmer Richard Betton, former chairman of the North Riding and County Durham National Farmers' Union, said the announcement was an important one for farmers in the dale.

He said: "This is the first step on the road to normality. It still leaves a lot of restrictions in place but it is a start and will be a big boost for farmers in this area. We are making progress."

The area includes five infected premises, four in Baldersdale and one in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Nick.Morrisonco.uk