A QUARTER of a million pounds has been allocated to the region to help re-open rights of way closed by local authorities because of the foot and mouth crisis.

The Country Land and Business Association will be carrying out risk assessments on paths closed by the outbreak and where necessary the money will be spent on putting up temporary fences at the side of some paths.

Dorothy Fairburn, regional director of the CLA in Yorkshire, said: "The Countryside Agency is making available £250,000 in the Yorkshire and Humberside region to local authorities.

"The money will be used to carry out risk assessment and there will be money to erect temporary fencing at the side of some paths."

Updated: 10:38 Thursday, May 03, 2001