SPECTATOR was in York on the Friday morning when the Prime Minister called in to drum up support for the British tourism.

We didn't bump into each other but I did wonder why Mr Blair, accompanied by Mrs Blair, choose that fine city to visit in order to promote, and demonstrate their support for, Britain's beleaguered tourism industry.

York is some distance from any foot-and-mouth outbreak and certainly didn't seem to be feeling the effects of a collapse in tourism. The traffic queues were as long as normal and there appeared to be plenty of visitors about.

Indeed one hotelier Spectator spoke to said the city appeared to benefiting from the problems experienced in areas more directly affected by the disease. Some clients had cancelled booking in the Lakes and the dales to come to his hotel.

There was probably some overwhelming logistical reason why the PM could not visit the dales, or the North York moors, where tourism has virtually collapsed.

There was also, probably, another very good reason why the Environment Secretary Mr John Prescott was dispatched to the Norfolk Broads, possibly the location in Britain furthest away from any outbreak.

But it appears to be another example of the government not quite grasping the true nature of the epidemic and exactly where the real problems are being experienced.

Mind there are problems closer to home. Before the Easter weekend a number of local authorities trumpeted that certain footpaths would be re-opened in time for the holiday. Or would they?

Not so according to two visitors to Richmond who inquired at the town's tourist information centre whether the path to Easby Abbey was open. The abbey was not but the path was, they were told, and a check with the map ensured both parties were talking about the same path.

Unfortunately, where the path forked, both sections bore the red and white foot-and-mouth warning signs. At least the disappointed visitors returned to Richmond and visited a local caf.

In Darlington the borough council said a number of paths in the borough would re-open, among them the High Coniscliffe to Blackwell riverside path and the Hurworth/Roundhill Road to Hurworth Place path.

Spectator attempted to use both on Easter Monday but found the prohibition notices and remnants of the red and white tape still in place.

Mindful that it would not look good for an employee of the Darlington & Stockton Times to be hauled before a court for breaking the regulations and fined £5,000, Spectator turned back on both occasions.