Sir, - I strongly second Ms Kyme's wish (D&S June 8th) that there should be a full, public and published investigation into every aspect of the current foot-and-mouth epidemic as soon as it is over. In fact farmers and all concerned should insist that there be one.

Its aim, though, should be less the assigning of blame than the learning of lessons so that in the event of a repeat (which God forbid) we might all be better informed and prepared.

Pressure to set up such an enquiry would also be more practical than mere placard-waving and sloganizing - to say nothing of daft, irresponsible rumour-mongering.

A specific suggestion: a farmer friend once made the point to me that there should be a corps of rural civil defence volunteers available for use in an emergency.

In the context of the present outbreak, this idea now strikes me as brilliant. In particular, a body of trained and equipped farmers would have been safer as well as more effective than the anonymous gunslingers Ms Kyme so rightly complains of.

Moreover, being given constructive jobs to do making use of their particular talents would have benefited farmers themselves more good than moping about counting losses.

JAMES LEIGH

Ulwards Lodge,

Thornton Watlass,

Ripon.

Get them open

Sir, - We operate a small business in Wensleydale, providing accommodation for visitors all year round. Foot-and-mouth disease has had a devastating effect on our income and that of other businesses dependant on visitors.

We receive no compensation, are unable to access funds for the Relief of Rural Hardship which are only available to farmers and recent government offers of assistance in North Yorkshire, although welcome, are totally inadequate.

Our only hope of survival is to help ourselves and the key to starting this process this is the re-opening of footpaths.

With this object in view I would ask all interested parties to lobby parish, district and county councillors, MPs and the Prime Minister to implement the MAFF guidelines issued on May 23, 2001.

If North Yorkshire County Council operated to these criteria many of our footpaths could be opened immediately and we could begin to rebuild with a countryside truly "Open for Business"

PAMELA & MIKE HAGUE

Stoney End,

Worton,

Leyburn.

Sir, - It was refreshing to read of Durham County Council's targets for the re-opening of their footpaths "When the paths will open" (D&S, June 8) although I see that no timetable was given. How soon is "soon"? A week, a month, six months?

But where is the equivalent for North Yorkshire where the county council doesn't seem to intend to make any progress. The only paths to have been re-opened are urban ones, for which there was no reason to close in the first place, and a few token ones.

I could list numerous paths which do not pass through livestock and which have never been within a MAFF-defined protection zone but which remain closed.

Around Great Ayton, the countryside is not open.

MICHAEL GARRATT

Roseberry Road,

Great Ayton.

Agony continues

Sir, - Enough is enough. Now that the General Election is over, could the government recognise that the plague of foot-and-mouth is not over for those of us in the North-East.

If the disease is not brought under control now it could spread across much of the rest of Britain. Not only will the local economy be hard hit, but it will also affect government spending nationally.

The stress after three months on those in rural industries is taking its toll. North Yorkshire is now in the front line and a pretence that the disease is over is not very helpful. Those living in towns need to be vigilant and avoid going on to farms.

Farmers, many of whom may not have computers, along with local vets must be kept up to date on suspected outbreaks and continue to take precautions.

At present, because of a lack of accurate information rumour abounds.

In the five days since the General Election on Thursday, there have been confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth in six different counties and many thousands of animals killed.

Contrary to what Mr Blair says, the plague is not over for many people living in the countryside.

GERALD TURTON

Upsall,

Thirsk

Class reunion

Sir, - May I remind former pupils of Miss Penty's class at Hurworth School that the annual reunion will be held at the Dalesway restaurant, Scotch Corner, on Saturday, July 7, at 12noon.

Those wishing to attend should let Miss Penty (now Mrs Rundle) know no later than June 23. Her address is 66 Avenue Road, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8JU.

DOREEN TURNER

Dowber Way,

Thirsk.