THERE'S good news for anglers in the Evening Press catchment area who feared that they may lose a hefty chunk of the new river season, due to open a week tomorrow.

Following the latest advice from Ministry of Agriculkture, Fisheries and Food vetinarians and the Environment Agency the National Angling Alliance have released updated guidelines to anglers to prevent the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease.

Current restrictions on access to the countryside for angling are being significantly relaxed following recent changes in the disease situation.

The latest advice should enable rapid re-opening of closed fisheries and access to them, except those fisheries within or crossing the three kilometre protection zones around infected premises.

In many parts of the country, including some areas which had the disease but where controls have now been lifted, Foot and Mouth is either absent or at a very low level. Virus survival times are also much shorter because of the warmer weather.

The National Angling Alliance and the Environment Agency urge all anglers to act responsibly and follow the latest advice that is published on the Agency's website at www.environment-agency.gov.uk:

The main points are:-

- If you have handled cattle, sheep, goats or pigs in the last seven days please do not go fishing.

- Check with your fishing club or the fishery owner that the water is open prior to going fishing.

- Respect footpaths or rights of way still closed and the three kilometre exclusion zones around infected premises.

- Do not go near, and never touch, handle or feed livestock.

- If you come across livestock unexpectedly, move away slowly. If necessary re-trace your route.

- Stay on the path or at the water's edge

- Leave all gates as you find them and always start your fishing trip with clean equipment, footwear and clothing.

Fisheries owners and angling clubs should consult the Agency website for maps indicating the three kilometres protection zones around infected premises, or call 0845 9333111 for further advice.

As the new coarse fishing season approaches most club waters controlled by the major societies and Amalgamations such as York, Leeds and Bradford are still closed. In the light of this latest statement it will be interesting to note if there is a change in policy.

Updated: 12:45 Friday, June 08, 2001