OFFICIALS have issued a reminder over footpath closures, this weekend.

Rights of way which cross farmland in Hartlepool have been shut until further notice, in the interests of local farmers and landowners.

People have generally heeded the closures, and they are asked to continue cooperating by keeping away from the countryside.

Hartlepool Borough Council has closed most of the borough's 60 miles of pathways, using discretionary powers awarded to local authorities by the government.

People who flout the orders face fines of up to £5,000.

No cases of foot and mouth have been recorded in the borough since the latest outbreak began, and it is hoped that will remain the case.

Oliver Sherratt, head of sport and recreation at the council said: "We cannot afford to become complacent and relax the measures we have taken to help keep the borough free of foot and mouth.

"Our farmers and landowners have had a difficult time of things in recent years and we don't want to add to their problems.

"I would like to thank local people for cooperating with these restrictions and would ask for their continued support until the danger posed by the virus has passed.