NOW the Easter holidays are upon us, it is time to resume as much as possible of our normal spare-time activities.

Tourism is one of our major industries - far more so, economically, than agriculture - and just as we've been supportive of farmers in their crisis, we must be supportive of people who work in attractions and pubs in theirs.

Common sense is obviously required - it is clearly wrong to go traipsing through farms and fields full of lifestock. But Tony Blair is clearly right to persuade people, wherever possible, to return to their normal weekend and holiday habits.

Yet, the public face an awkward choice. As long as the outbreaks of foot-and-mouth continue, like yesterday's surprising one near Whitby, there is bound to be uncertainty about how open for business the countryside really is. And where there is uncertainty, the public will probably err on the side of caution and stay at home.

The best way for Mr Blair to prove that Britain is open for business is to eradicate the disease. Then everyone can return with clear consciences.

In the meantime, Mr Blair - and the tourist industry - need all the assistance they can get. For example, in the North-East there are footpaths around arable fields that have not seen an animal in living memory that are taped shut. Even reclaimed railway lines are closed.

Councils and landowners must play their part and ensure all possible footpaths - many closed in the understandable blind panic of the early days of the disease - are open. There is nothing more disconcerting for tourists and day-trippers, even those who don't want to walk, to see flapping tape and danger signs everywhere they go.

Mr Blair might be able to apply pressure on those who have shut paths, but even he can do little about the biggest incentive for people to stay at home - the weather. A fortnight of spring sunshine would be a huge fillip for our beleaguered tourist industry, if anyone up there is listening.