Cattle grids are being put in place around three North York Moors villages in a bid to stop straying sheep potentially spreading foot and mouth disease.

Two temporary grids will be put in place next week on roads either side of Lastingham, Appleton-le-Moors and Spaunton to stop livestock wandering into the villages.

North York Moors moorland co-ordinator, Michael Graham, said the grids were being put in place following concerns from local farmers.

"The sheep are used to wandering freely into these villages, but there were fears this could bring them into contact with visitors and that they might contract the disease," he said.

"The fact that footpaths have been re-opened is particularly worrying for many farmers."

Mr Graham said that the grids would be removed once the foot and mouth crisis is over.

"The grids consist of steel bars which have been places on sand and they have ramps at either end to allow access," he said."There are fences either side of the grids and a gate for pedestrians. Hopefully this will increase the chances of keeping the disease away from the North York Moors by allowing the sheep to roam the hills without coming into contact with people visiting the villages."

* Another case of foot and mouth disease has been confirmed at West Lane Farm, Bishopdale, near Leyburn.

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, June 28, 2001