FARMERS and landowners have been urged to give their verdict on draft maps showing where the public is likely to have the "right to roam".

Earlier this month Countryside Agency officials attended a special roadshow in Pickering with detailed copies of where the registered common ground and open country boundaries will fall.

When the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) comes into force in 2005 it will give people new rights.

Paul Mutch, senior countryside officer with the agency, said: "This is going to bring around extensive new areas of land where people can go out and explore and enjoy."

Much of the North York Moors will be accessible, although some parts, such as Ministry of Defence land at RAF Fylingdales, will be exempt from the right to roam.

Mr Mutch said it was important the public were widely consulted.

"We have produced these maps, which are fairly accurate, but we want to tap into the intimate local knowledge people have to make them as accurate as possible," he added.

Rambler Geoff Eastwood, from Driffield, said he welcomed the new legislation, but said the Ramblers' Association was already working to ensure larger parts of the Wolds were designated as open country.

"It's no use until this information gets onto the Ordnance Survey maps in the end," he added.

Jane Harrison, from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), said: "We fought hard against the legislation when it was going through, but now it is here to stay we have got to accept that."

She said there were concerns about how a temporary closure system would be implemented.

Anyone wishing to comment can call the helpline on 0845 1003298, visit www.countyside.gov.uk/access/mapping, or contact their local authority and selected libraries.

Updated: 09:31 Friday, April 25, 2003