Most parks and open spaces in Coventry that closed as a precautionary measure against the foot and mouth outbreak are to re-open to the general public.

Coombe Country Park will be open as usual and the Lunt Fort in Baginton will reopen for organised groups from Monday.

And across the city many other areas of land are now accessible for the general public to enjoy.

The areas which are remaining closed are: Sowe Common North, Floyds Field in Tile Hill, City Farm, the part of Coombe Country Park known locally as the Lindley Land or Deer Park and the Events Field and all rural footpaths and bridleways crossing farmland particularly in the north-west of the city.

Plas Dol-y-moch outdoor education centre in Snowdonia, used by Coventry schoolchildren, also remains closed for the time being.

Notices will be in place around all the footpaths and open spaces that remain closed to the public.

Most of them border farmland where stock may be kept and thus could involve a risk of spreading the disease.

Cllr John McNicholas, cabinet member (Environmental Services) said:

"This outbreak continues to be very distressing to our farming community and we need to balance their needs with those of the people who want to enjoy outdoor recreation.

“We have reviewed our closures and are happy that the plans outlined now offer people the opportunity to visit parks and open spaces without any risk.

“I would like to thank people for their patience and support and ask that they continue to respect our yellow 'Keep Out' notices wherever they see them.

“Finally, I would also like to remind all dog owners that it is an offence to allow their dogs to foul and not clean up after them." 

Due to a second confirmed outbreak in Nuneaton, part of Coventry to the north of the city has now been included within an infected area.

This new area links up with the other part of the city declared an infected area at the end of February. The complete area includes:

• From Junction 2 of the M6 motorway come into Coventry on the Hinckley Road, turn right into Woodway Lane, then left along Henley Road, and then from Henley Road onto Old Church Road, then left into town on the Foleshill Road, and then right into Lockhurst Lane to the railway bridge and then it follows the railway into town where it goes under the Radford Road.
• From there turn right onto the Radford Road going out of the city and then goes all the way out to the city boundary where the Radford Road turns it Keresley Road and then the Tamworth Road.

People living in this area should not be unduly concerned however, there are specific implications for dog owners.

Heather Cauldwell, Principal Environmental Health Officer said:

"We are keen that residents living in this area keep their dogs under control at all times and/or on a lead when out walking.

“People are being asked to quickly report any strays to the City Council's Animal Welfare Team on 024 7683 1832."

SEE [01 MAR 01] COVENTRY IN FOOT AND MOUTH RISK AREA