POSSIBLE lifting of animal movement restrictions in Wensleydale by the end of June has been condemned by a self-help group set up to assist farmers and businesses to weather the crisis.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed restrictions on livestock movements and restocking could be lifted in as little as two weeks' time.

Experts have begun blood testing the 55,000 sheep in the dale and results from the 12,000 completed so far are negative. Testing is due to end next week and a spokesman said that, if all were negative, restrictions were likely to be lifted soon afterwards.

"If all the test results come back negative, farmers can apply to restock and move animals again," said the spokesman. "So far, the tests are looking good."

She said removal of infected area status could also signal re-opening of footpaths closed since early March.

"We are trying to free up every area of the country where there has been an infection and where they are now clean, to allow them to get on with their farming."

But Rejuvenate, a group of farmers and businessmen who banded together when the virus struck at the heart of Wensleydale, said it was far too early to think of lifting restrictions.

"If anything goes wrong, we are back to square one," warned Rejuvenate member Mr Phillip Holden. "The last thing we need is that feeling of a false dawn, for people's hopes to be raised and then dashed again."

Mr Robin Mair, of North Yorkshire trading standards, who has overseen much of the county council's FMD-related work, said the question of footpaths re-opening would be examined again in the light of new guidance from Defra.

"We are aware of the economic difficulties caused to the tourism industry but, at the same time, we have to take into account any risk to farmers," he said.

l The Yorkshire Dales National Park authority has opened the way for possible phased re-opening of footpaths within its boundaries.

If adopted, the first stage would involve opening of moorland paths and bridleways more than six kilometres from infected farms. The second phase would open lowland routes, again at least six kilometres from infected premises, and the third would concentrate on rights of way up to three kilometres away. Remaining paths would be opened following guidance from the ministry.

Further footpaths in the park were re-opened this week, including two at Aysgarth falls.

Ninety workers have been laid off because of foot-and-mouth according to a survey by the upper Wensleydale business association.

l FMD round-up: page 18.

l Children's health fears: page 10.

l Letters to the Editor: page 22.