National Park remains open, but visitors requested to help farmers by observing the countryside code

Footpaths and access in Northumberland National Park will remain open until further notice following reports of outbreaks of Foot & Mouth in the south of the country today.

National Park officers are, however, requesting visitors to be considerate to farmers whose businesses are dependent on livestock by observing the countryside code.

• Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs

• Leave gates and property as you find them

• Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home

• Keep dogs under close control

• Consider other people

The National Park website www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk will carry the latest National Park access information, and up to date national reports on Foot and Mouth Disease can be found on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth .

National Park Authority staff will be taking bio-hazard precautions when visiting farming areas on business.