A North Yorkshire farmer is in deadlock with highway chiefs over a carpet he has laid in the road to disinfect traffic as a result of the foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Anthony White, who farms Bent Rigg Farm, Ravenscar, which is perched close to the 300ft high cliffs at the beauty spot, said he had put the carpet down because half of his farm is in an officially restricted area.

"We don't have the disease in the area and I am anxious to keep it out."

He has some 500 breeding ewes, and 200 cattle.

He ruled out laying straw on the advice of the police, but they supported his idea of laying the carpet.

However, North Yorkshire County Council highway officials have said it should be taken up because it could pose an insurance hazard.

Mr White is determined that it should stay. "We must take action to protect our livelihoods" he said.

Updated: 16:33 Thursday, April 12, 2001