British Cabinet Office Minister and former Northern Ireland Secretary Ms Mo Mowlam today urged people not to stop visiting the countryside during the foot-and-mouth epidemic.
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Ms Mo Mowlam
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Ms Mowlam visited the Mayfly pub in Fullerton, near Andover, Hampshire, for a quick drink and snack during a weekend break with her husband Mr John Norton in the area.
She said: "There is a clear message that the countryside is open even though foot-and-mouth in some areas is serious, such as in Devon and Cumbria, but for the rest of the country there is no problem.
"Eighty per cent of the tourist attractions are open. I visited Warwickshire Castle recently and 90 per cent of the events are going ahead. There is no reason in particular why people shouldn't come to the country pub as I have today."
In Hampshire there have been no outbreaks of foot-and-mouth since the crisis began.
Talking to local people Ms Mowlam said there was no reason why people should not carry on visiting the countryside.
"There is real concern in areas such as Devon and Cumbria, real concern where they have outbreaks, but no one is asking anyone to open footpaths and such like in affected areas. We understand people being cautious and in certain areas that is crucial but in areas where there is no outbreak the countryside is definitely open."
PA