Otley and Bingley have been hit by new restrictions on the movement of cattle because of the ongoing foot and mouth cases.

Restrictions already exist in the Settle and Clitheroe areas and have now been extended to include the area between Wharfedale and Nidderdale and to Otley and Bingley. The measures apply with immediate effect to all journeys which begin or end in the expanded areas. Licences to move animals to be slaughtered under the Livestock Welfare Disposal Scheme continue to be available.

The extended restrictions have been imposed after four more cases were discovered at farms near Skipton. Outbreaks have now been confirmed by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food officials at Green Farm, Halton West, Stansfield Park at Nappa, Kail Farm at Thorpe and at the Horton Pasture farm in Horton-in-Craven All infected animals at the farms involved will be slaughtered.

For further details on the extended restricted areas telephone MAFF on (0113) 2609541.