A SCOUT'S camping ground has become the latest victim of the foot and mouth crisis.

The popular spot, in Ilkley's Curly Hill, has lost money as it was forced to close as a result of a nearby outbreak.

Spokesman Andrew Walbank said: "The first outbreak was very, very close. We closed the camp because our field borders a farmer's field who has not had his cows culled yet."

Mr Walbank said the ban on tents being pitched had affected the ground's bank balance. He said: "We have had to refund deposits. It won't make us much money this year.

"We had to disappoint a lot of people who had booked, from as far afield as Durham. It normally makes enough money to cover maintenance over the winter. The campsite's main dormitory and activity centre has remained open as it is reached via a tarmac drive - yet profits will still be down."

Mr Walbank said the Scout Association had advised him to seek advice about when the site could be opened. He said: "We have got to get in touch with the Ministry (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to see what the risks are and if they are happy with us using the site again."

He said the Scouts were hoping to attract a lottery grant to build a dormitory block of individual bedrooms for young people staying at the site

"There are no facilities for children to sleep separately and we feel they should be able to," he added.