AS the majority of North York moors footpaths reopen this weekend, an Osmotherley farming couple have called for additional up-to-date signs to notify walkers about any remaining short diversions.

While walkers can again enjoy much of the Cleveland Way, Lyke Wake Walk and Coast to Coast routes, there are some short diversions near Mount Grace Priory, Swainby, Ingleby Arncliffe, Westerdale and the Esk Valley.

It is claimed that a mixture of old, new, official and unofficial signs are confusing walkers and landowners, creating suspicion and resulting in the widespread flouting of restrictions.

Mr Ian Hutchinson and wife, Sue, of Chapelwood Farm, Osmotherley, lost their sheep and cattle there during a contiguous cull, carried out when foot-and-mouth was found near Mount Grace.

A stretch of the Cleveland Way running past their farm re-opened this week but a stretch through the forest above Mount Grace remains closed.

"We feel clear explanations should be displayed at car parks and villages where people begin their walks, rather than half-way along," said Mrs Hutchinson.

"Some walkers have knocked on our front door for directions. It's very awkward for them because of different signs and a lack of information. They approach this part of the Cleveland Way from different directions - some come northwards from Osmotherley while others come southwards from the telecom station or Sheepwash. There are many paths criss-crossing the land.

"We've been here for 20 years and want to get back to normal life. But some walkers think farmers are deliberately attempting to keep them out with hand-written notices. That's certainly not the case here. But this mistrust means closure notices and red and white tape around gates are continually removed.

"The national park authority has tried very hard and spoken to us, but walkers really need more information"

National park access officer Mr Karl Gerhardsen said just 6pc of paths remained closed and major routes were all open again.

"The main cause of confusion was when Defra announced North Yorkshire was disease-free at the end of December. The public perceived that as meaning footpath restrictions were lifted. They returned to their favourite haunts and insisted on taking down signs.

"On Friday of last week, we received clarification from Defra and re-opened the majority of paths in the Osmotherley, Swainby, Esk Valley and Westerdale areas. One or two short stretches through farmyards remain closed, so link routes are indicated with signs.

On unofficial signs, he said: "For example, some signs near Ingleby Arncliffe church suggest footpaths remain closed and our ranger was informed about them this week.

He stressed: "If a sign says a path is closed then the public must accept it really is closed. We have just erected dated, green guidance signs along the most popular paths but some are taken down. Older signs are still in place on lesser-used ones."