LARGE areas of Bury countryside, closed in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis, could soon be open to the public again.

Bury Council is currently studying new Government guidance before deciding whether to relax the access restrictions imposed in February.

Earlier this month, local authority chiefs lifted closure orders surrounding the Outwood Trail and Kirklees Valley.

They were originally among more than 150 rights of way, footpaths, bridleways and tracks designated "no go" areas during the height of the foot and mouth outbreak.

Next Saturday, (May 12) the North West Riding Association for the Handicapped (Bury & Holcombe) will re-open its base in Holcombe Village. Honorary secretary, Mr John McIntosh said: "Obviously, this decision has only been made after careful discussions with local authority officials and our neighbours on adjacent farms.

"We hope to be operating on Saturdays as we were before the temporary closure and there may be some changes on Sundays."

He added: "The closure over the last two months has caused us to make inroads into our reserves and that will affect our plans for the next few months.

"Hopefully, we will be up and running as normal quite quickly. This is important if only to keep the horses happy as they've been getting bored as they've missed the company of the riders."

Committee members will do their best to contact riders/parents.

Mr McIntosh says, however, it would be useful if people could ring the stables for information on 01706 821337.

Good news for local cubs and scouts is that the popular Giant's Seat camp site, which had been shut for several weeks, is also to re-open.

That could be the prelude to further restriction relaxations throughout Bury.

Mr David Chadwick, Bury Council public rights of way officer, said: "Of the 150 or so footpaths, tracks and bridleways we originally closed, around 20 have re-opened.

"We have got new guidance from the Department of Transport and we are looking at whether we can open up a few more areas."