§ Lord Greavesasked Her Majesty's Government:
How long they estimate it will take to reopen footpaths and fells of the Lake District to walkers 21WA (a) once the foot and mouth disease outbreak in Cumbria has peaked; and (b) after the last case has been identified in the county; and [HL1729]
Whether they expect the footpaths and open fells in the Lake District National Park to be reopened any time during 2001. [HL1730]
§ Lord WhittyWe hope that it will be possible to open most footpaths and open fells in the Lake District National Park before the end of 2001. The rate of opening will, however, depend on the course of the disease. It is too soon to say how long after the last case the area can be declared free of infection. But paths can be considered for reopening on a case-by-case basis as the situation evolves, and we welcome the fact that Cumbria County Council has already been able to lift restrictions on some of its footpaths.