MORE footpath networks in popular walking areas have been re-opened.

DEFRA yesterday re-defined the foot and mouth infected areas in Lancashire allowing the County Council's Countryside Service to reduce its blanket closure area, which will see the opening up of several local footpath networks.

This means the Lune Valley is now accessible, with the re-opened area extending from the Cumbria border, through the Clough access area, and southwards as far as the Dunsop Bridge to Slaidburn Road, permitting walking throughout the Forest of Bowland.

And the Lancashire cycleway from Slaidburn to High Bentham now forms the western boundary of the newly defined closed area.

In the south of the county, the new boundary follows the road from Whalley, south of Sabden, through Roughlee and Blacko to Foulridge, opening up part of the Forest of Pendle and areas to the north of Barrowford and Colne, with the county border giving access to Knarr's Hill and the footpath network extending into the area recently reopened in Yorkshire.

And within the closed area, cycleways and linking footpaths in the western part of Gisburn Forest are now open.

Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for public protection and the countryside, County Councillor Tim Ormrod, said: "There are many small businesses, pubs, cafes and village shops that have been suffering a loss of trade as a result of the foot and mouth restrictions.

"There is sure to be a welcome for visitors to these businesses so why not rediscover your favourite haunts or try a visit to a new area and find out what Lancashire's outstanding countryside has to offer.

"Visitors should also be aware that within the closed area, restrictions do still apply to footpaths and bridleways only.

"Roads, villages and associated businesses are open as usual."

The announcement follows the lifting of restrictions for livestock movement this week in the Paythorne, Horton-in-Craven, Newsholme, Gisburn, Bolton-by-Bowland, Clitheroe and Sawley area.

But is expected to be well into the new year before all paths in the Ribble Valley areas affected by the foot and mouth crisis are re-opened.