A FRESH controversy has blown up over access to the countryside around a North Yorkshire village.

Richard Hodgson owns property in Oran Lane, Catterick Village - and has already taken the parish council to task once, claiming signs banishing walkers from the area due to foot-and-mouth disease had been removed.

They have since been replaced after the county council issued him with more to erect along the lane.

However, other notices have since been removed from another footpath, which follows the west bank of River Swale between Swale Pasture Lane and Swale Lane - and walkers have been putting livestock at risk by using the route.

Mr Hodgson claims the signs have been missing for a number of days - and blames the parish council for failing to report the matter to the authorities.

"They were quick enough to put up the signs when the foot-and-mouth crisis began, but they just seem to have lost interest now," he said.

"There was a case of foot-and-mouth not far from here and, if people keep walking this path, it could spread," he said.

However, council chairman, Councillor Margaret Tickner, pointed out Mr Hodgson could have reported the missing signs to the parish council himself.

"The matter came up at our last meeting and we have been doing everything we can to put things right. People in the village ought to know where they can walk by now anyway, and we would appeal to them not to use the footpath, even if notices are missing," she said.

Those responsible for removing the signs have also been warned they face stiff penalties if they are caught. "The fine can be as high as £5,000," said North Yorkshire County Council's trading standards chief, Stuart Pudney, yesterday.

l Despite the crisis, Hillside church services are going ahead as usual, the Reverend Toddy Hoare has confirmed.

At Boltby church on Sunday, the holy communion service will be taken by the Reverend Ted Spiller, at 10.30am.