UP TO 75pc of North Yorkshire's footpaths, closed for four months through foot-and-mouth restrictions, could reopen from next Friday, July 20.

The government wants to lift blanket closures across the country, freeing all rights of way at least 3km from infected premises.

Local authorities in hard-hit areas might be allowed some exemption and North Yorkshire County Council has applied for special consideration.

Members backed a recommendation from the Yorkshire Dales national park authority for a 6km protection zone around premises with recently-confirmed outbreaks. After 21 days, the county council would consider reducing this to 3km.

Coun John Blackie, chairman of a members' panel set up to advise the council on post-foot-and-mouth economic recovery, told Richmondshire district council's foot-and-mouth working group the park had not been able to make a case for Swaledale and Arkengarthdale, where there had been no outbreaks.

"The view was that, even if a case was made, government would remove it and, at the same time, remove the 6km zone proposals elsewhere," he said

The county council also hopes the government will agree to a 6km zone around Nateby, just over the Cumbrian border, which would extend into the top corner of upper Swaledale.

The county proposal was submitted to the government by the deadline last Friday and a decision is expected today.

"If the proposal is accepted, 75pc of rights of way in North Yorkshire would be open for use," said Coun Blackie.

"The government has made it clear there will be a link between recovery money and the inclination of local authorities to reopen footpaths."

The news had a mixed reception across Richmondshire. Businesses which depended heavily on tourists were delighted that most of the countryside would reopen in time for the school summer holidays and peak season and the shooting fraternity was also delighted at the prospect of being able to go ahead with the season.

However, farmers and others feared opening up footpaths and bridleways could lead the the disease sweeping into "clean" areas such as Swaledale.

Mr Paul Roger, a partner with the Swale veterinary practice in Richmond, accused Defra, formerly Maff, of steamrollering through the decision to reopen footpaths without adequate risk assessment.

Mr Robin Mair, of North Yorkshire trading standards, which takes on most of the county council's foot-and-mouth-related work, said there was great concern about creeping infection from Cumbria.

"There is no indication of how it has spread in Richmondshire but the primary cause seems to be lack of biosecurity precautions within the farming industry," said Mr Mair.

On footpath openings, he said: "We have tried to balance what is often a completely irreconcilable difference of views between the various users of the countryside. We have taken forward the reopening of footpaths only after the most detailed consultation with all countryside users.

"We are clearly in the tail end of the disease and the hot weather should assist but I can give no indication of when this will be over.

" There are going to be restrictions on infected farms for months to come and I can see no end for the licensing scheme."

l So far, about 25pc of the county's 9,000km network of footpaths has been reopened, principally in the south of the county.

Mr Jeremy Walker, county council chief executive, said: "Our prime concern has always been to try to prevent any further spread of this disease.

"Having said that, we recognise the need to help rural economies by attracting visitors back to North Yorkshire through the reopening of footpaths, particularly as the school holidays are about to start.