Restrictions imposed by the foot and mouth crisis are being lifted on a number of woodland and countryside areas in Bradford.

New guidelines from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries has enabled Bradford Council to open a number of areas to walkers tomorrow.

Footpaths which cross fields where livestock is kept will remain closed but those running alongside them can re-open.

The Bradford district remains an infected area because of the two outbreaks of foot and mouth in Queensbury and Clayton. There was also an outbreak in Rawdon and some restrictions will still apply.

Council officers carried out a risk assessment of the district before deciding which areas could be re-opened.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, pictured, executive member for environment, said: "I am very keen that as much of the countryside in the Bradford district is opened up as soon as possible.

"New guidance from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries means the council is in a better position to open up footpaths and sites. We will be putting up new signs to make it clear which footpaths have been opened up."

The council is to open sites gradually over the next few weeks. It is hoped that ten sites will be re-opened tomorrow for weekend walking: four in Wyke, three in Ilkley and at other locations in Baildon, Harden and Riddlesden.

A council spokesman said: "Many sites have remained open throughout the crisis and will remain open. Other areas are under review and will hopefully be opened gradually to the public over the next few weeks where possible."

But the council has confirmed that some areas will not reopen for the foreseeable future.

And the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has no plans to open any of its footpaths because of the roaming livestock and the chance of the disease being spread.

A spokesman said: "No footpaths or bridleways are to be opened in the Yorkshire Dales National Park until we are notified by a higher authority."

Walks and events organised by rambling clubs have been severely hit by the crisis.

Gordon Woodhead, the Bradford group chairman of the Ramblers' Association, said: "We are delighted with the news. The number of walks we normally go on has been restricted and our evening walks programme hasn't really got going this year. This news will help as we can alter our walks to fit in with the areas which are open.

"It is a real relief to be able to go out again."

Brian Collins, editor of the Bradford CHA (Countrywide Holidays Association) Rambling & Social Club's newsletter, said: "This is a step forward in the right direction. Hopefully on Saturday morning we will be able to catch a bus or train and go on a local walk, maybe to Ilkley."

Club member Ray Wilkes said: "It is true that we have been hit hard. We have Saturday and Sunday events that we have had to cancel.

"Our walks incorporate woods and rural paths and we have been concerned that people are not exercising properly with areas being closed.

"We do walk in the Wyke area so it is great news that the woods in the area are to be opened."

But news that footpaths will be re-opened was greeted with caution by John Gullet, the West Riding's council delegate to the National Farmers' Union.

"Although the move is sensible enough as far as I can see, people should not disregard instructions and should have their dogs on a lead and still treat the countryside with respect," he said.

"The end of the crisis is a long, long way away. A stray dog which is not on a lead could easily help spread the disease if no control is kept.

"However, we have to try to open up and the areas where restrictions have been lifted are away from the affected areas which is sensible."

More Foot and Mouth information