TWO County Durham visitor attractions may stay closed because of the epidemic.

Killhope, the lead mining museum in Weardale, was to open on April 1, and Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, was to open for the Easter weekend.

But both could keep their doors closed until Monday, April 16, if the disease shows no sign of abating.

Durham County Council will take a decision by the end of the month. If closure is approved, the position will be reviewed weekly.

School visits, which usually take place during the winter when the two attractions are closed to the public, have already been suspended.

Arts, libraries and museums director Patrick Conway told Durham County Council's executive committee: "Killhope, located in open moorland, was considered, along with country parks, footpaths and bridleways, to be a risk, particularly as sheep graze in the vicinity.

"Similarly, Binchester, though fenced in, is immediately adjacent to grazing land."

Mr Conway said the attractions would lose £12,000 and would also have to pay cancellation fees to performers booked for the holiday weekend.

He said: "It is important to plan for April and also provide public information so that potential visitors are clear about opening arrangements and are not inconvenienced by unnecessary journeys.