BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Cumbria County Council is embarking on a rolling programme of rights-of-way re-opening after the worst of FMD is believed to have passed.
The areas to be re-open by this weekend are Alston Fells, north of Carlisle; Bewcastle Fells and an area of the Lake District National Park from the A66 in the north to the south of Windermere.
"The opening of these three access areas is welcome news after a very
difficult period of time," said Andy Airey, Chairman of the Outdoors Industries Association.
"I believe it will encourage some much-needed visitors back into an area where tourism and related businesses have been seriously damaged.
"Our business is reliant upon walkers, climbers, cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts being able to pursue their chosen hobbies in the great outdoors and foot and mouth has severely restricted this. The knock on effect has meant that customers have not been purchasing clothing and equipment from [retailers].
"News that three access areas in Cumbria are to open is a significant boost
for our industry and comes as a breath of fresh air after some very
difficult months."
However, some restrictions may still be imposed inside these areas and in
some circumstances, rights of way may remain closed.
