RAMBLERS eager to take to the paths of County Durham are being warned to check routes before setting off.

For though the foot-and-mouth status has been lifted, some closures are still in place.

At the height of the crisis, the disease blighted more than 90 farms in the county and many are still subject to so-called Form A notices and footpath restrictions.

So although most paths are now open, there are still some which are off-limits.

Coun Bob Pendlebury, Durham County Council cabinet member with responsibility for environmental sustainability, said: "Throughout the crisis, we have worked within government guidelines and those stipulate that some paths have to remain closed.

"The affected farms are dotted across the county. To open paths on a piecemeal basis would create a disjointed network and generate confusion."

Coun Pendlebury said until the council was notified by Department for Food and Rural Affairs, some paths would stay shut.

"This epidemic has had a huge impact on County Durham," he said. We have been one of the worst affected areas in the country and it goes without saying it will take time to recover.

"The removal of disease status is welcome, but it is only the next step along the road to normality."

Anyone wanting to check which footpaths are open in County Durham should check with the helpline on 0191 383 3452.

Coun Pendlebury said: "All through the crisis, the county council has worked with the farming community and the government to tackle the problem. "The end is in sight, but we will continue to be vigilant and follow the advice of Defra until we can draw a line under this saga."