ANOTHER of Wharfedale's popular agricultural shows has been cancelled because of the foot and mouth crisis.

Weeton Show, which was due to be held on Sunday, July 28, has been postponed this year because the show committee said they did not want to be responsible for an outbreak in the area.

Members of the local farming community - including the owners of the showfield - had also raised concerns about the show going ahead.

The decision follows the cancellation of Otley Show and Otley Carnival because of the crisis - and leaves just Arthington Show on July 22 as the only event to go-ahead in the area.

Show secretary Allison Denman said that the decision to cancel was a difficult one to make, but was taken in the best interests of farming in Wharfedale.

She said: "It is very disappointing, it is a local show involving almost everyone in the community and it brings lots of people in.

"But we would not be able to live with ourselves if we were the ones responsible for bringing foot and mouth into this area. This community is made up of farmers and we don't want to bring people or livestock into the area who could be carriers.

"We are not prepared to take the risk. Although many of the headlines have disappeared, the disease certainly hasn't - there have been some outbreaks in Yorkshire this weekend and there is still a great danger."

Mrs Denman, who lives in Castley Lane, said there was no way the show committee would go against the feelings of local farmers.

"We have taken on board the comments of local farmers. We spoke to the farmers around us and they asked us not to, as did the people who own the showfield," she added.

"Because of MAFF legislation, we would have had to ask them all to keep their fields clear for at least two months and we can't do that to them. We have gone with their wishes."

She said that too much policing and stewarding would be needed at all the gates to ensure that everything was decontaminated and safe. The committee also took into consideration MAFF guidelines on animal movements and animal care.

Mrs Denman said that financially the show had not been too badly affected because unlike Otley Show, the organisers had time on their side and had not financially committed themselves on a number of issues.

"We made the decision to put a lot of things on hold, so we didn't have too much expense. We'll have to give the advertising money back and there will be expense in telling everyone that the show is cancelled, though."

In a gesture of support, the show committee decided to make a donation to the foot and mouth appeal fund to help

support farmers suffering during the current crisis.

A community barbecue and party day solely for residents in Huby and Weeton has been organised instead of the show. People from outside those communities are asked not to attend.

And a date has already been set for next year's Weeton Show - July 29, 2002.

Mrs Denman added: "We are already looking forward to next year's event, which we hope will be bigger and better than ever and a real celebration after the trauma of this year."

l Summer carnivals in Yeadon, Horsforth and Guiseley will all go-ahead as planned. Arthington Show plans to put on a reduced show with just equine and canine events and a host of stalls.

Secretary Sheila Dickenson said the show would be cancelled if there was an outbreak in the area, with a special meeting planned on May 28 to discuss the situation. Bramhope Show will also continue.