BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?

Subject: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: GUEST,Sam
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 04:09 PM

I know that there have been a few threads on 'foot and mouth' before, and I also imagine that no one knows the exact answer to my question, or that there even is one.

However, maybe someone will be able to provide a rough figure. How long are all of England's footpaths going to be closed for?

A month? 3 months? A year? 3 years?

If any one has a clue, I'd be grateful to hear it.

Thank you for your time

Sam

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: Roughyed
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 05:14 PM

If the farmers have anything to do with it, from my experience - forever.

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: GUEST,Sam
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 05:24 PM

Agreed, Swan

But the land is our land too...

Any ideas as to when we can walk on it?

Sam

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: Llanfair
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 05:48 PM

The number of cases confirmed daily is reducing now, and the weather will get warmer--the bug likes it cold. I think that 6-8 weeks after the last confirmed case in any area, the footpaths will be open again.
Farms cannot re-stock for 6 months at least.
In the meantime, you'll have to do your walking along the nearest beach, or explore urban footpaths and disused railway lines, Sam.
Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 06:31 PM

There are already some paths open, but with strict instructions that you stick to it, and not go off path as it were.... Try the Tourist Information of the area you want to go to.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: GUEST,_gargoyle
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 06:34 PM

I share your disappointment in being unable to walk the countryside. I just returned from ten days in Ireland. Though their cases are miniscule, the restrictions to the farthest edges of the country are enormous. The trip was devoid of peaks and valleys and limited to highways, pubs and song.

For the most thorough, up-to-date coverage, the http://www.ft.com (use the British button top left corner) Financial Times is the best.

Here is an excerpt:

Financial Times - London
Chief vet says foot-and-mouth crisis under control
By Michael Mann and Cathy Newman
Published: April 19 2001 20:35GMT | Last Updated: April 19 2001 21:28GMT

The foot-and-mouth epidemic is fully under control and the number of daily cases should fall to just one or two by June 7, the expected date for a general election, the government's chief scientific adviser said on Thursday.

"The epidemic is now fully under control," said Professor David King at an agriculture ministry briefing. "It is coming under control a little quicker than predicted."

Following the killing of almost 1.2m animals, Prof King said the average number of daily cases had halved from around 40 two weeks ago to 20 now. That pattern could be expected to continue, virtually eradicating the disease by the beginning of June.

So far, 1,194,000 animals have been slaughtered, of which 427,000 remain to be disposed of. A further 575,000 animals are still awaiting slaughter.

Farmers fear use of vaccines could prolong the outbreak and delay Britain's return to export markets.

The slaughter policy has had unexpected beneficiaries. Accles & Shelvoke, a Birmingham-based manufacturer of humane slaughtering equipment, has been working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to produce the bolt guns used to kill the animals.

At Your Service, GARGOYLE

http://news.ft.com/ft/gx.cgi/ftc?pagename=View&c=Article&cid=FT3TBTGYQLC&live=true

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: Brendy
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 07:08 PM

I'm sure the Loyal Orange Orders also share your disappointment, gargoyle.

My heart absolutely bleeds for them, myself.

B.

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: Wavestar
Date: 22 Apr 01 - 07:31 PM

I miss the Coastal Path, myself. Just pray for a very warm and early summer. The reports look encouraging.

But I think you're unfair to the farmers - they are, after all, hurt more than anyone else in this. Don't begin to think they like it.

-J

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: Gervase
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 04:50 AM

The path closures are overseen by the local councils - for example, East Herts District council has already lifted some of the closure notices on some paths.
Most of them have web-sites - try a search on UK Yahoo and call the environmental health officers.
Sadly, some councils are being bloody tardy in lifting the bans (Bucks being a particularly bad example). A few calls from walkers like yourself straight to the people who make the decisions may just make a difference...

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 05:26 AM

I went to the coast this weekend (to the Gower) the beaches were open, and I enjoyed a few hours walking along part of the beaches and coast. Try there...

But it is just one of the things were are going to have to be patient with.

I was meant to be getting in training with more hill walking this year, ready for a big trek next year... But I have been delayed now. No big thing... I can do more road running, or walking and go to the gym more.

But as far as the land is ours too...

Well, I think the longer we stay off, the quicker things will be sorted out. I know that if I was a farmer and I saw someone walking over my land during the restrictions I would be furious. I have a family member with a farm, I have not been able to visit them for the past few months. And I know how worried they are about it all.

Regards

Ella

Try the beaches!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Foot and Mouth: When can I walk again?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 23 Apr 01 - 09:34 AM

Well, I just read that Glastonbury Tor is open finally, so other places will probably open up soon.