Country pubs could be forced to close as business in North Yorkshire hits rock bottom because of foot and mouth restrictions.

The county's rural inns are urging visitors to come back in a desperate effort to keep alive the great British pub experience.

Andy Cole, who took over the Wombwell Arms in Wass, near Helmsley, only three months ago, said business had plummeted to less than half what it was before the crisis.

"Most village inns cannot rely on trade from local villagers," he said. "They need passing trade, and if that is not coming in then they are going to close. The British tradition of country inns is most definitely in danger."

The threat is the latest in a crisis that has put at risk all aspects of country life.

Mr Cole said: "Last week there were some nights we had only two customers in for food, and we have had no reservations for our letting rooms. It is not the case for us, but some people around here are worrying about whether the banks will start closing them down if they can't afford to pay loans. It is absolutely desperate for rural pubs."

Despite most of North Yorkshire's pubs being miles away from outbreaks, closures of all footpaths have meant few visitors heading to the countryside.

New figures published by the Brewers and Licensed Retailers Association say the foot and mouth crisis is costing the beer and pubs industries £38 million a month, with one in ten pubs either closing or suffering a significant dip in profits.

Frances Debenham, licensee of the Feversham Arms at Farndale, near Kirbymoorside, would usually be enjoying her busiest period now with thousands of visitors viewing the area's famous daffodils. This year, she is being forced to defer payments on her VAT, other taxes and business rates until business picks up.

Frances received advice from Business Link North Yorkshire after phoning a live radio phone-in with Prime Minister Tony Blair during his visit to York last week.

Phil Mintoft, landlord of The Crown, in Hutton-le-Hole, near Pickering, said: "It's disastrous. You get through the winter period and with spring just round the corner we're down 35 per cent compared with last year.

"If foot and mouth spreads over the North York Moors we've had it and we may face having to close down."

And David Crossland, manager of the Lion Inn pub and hotel at Blakey Ridge, said: "We're losing 30 to 40 per cent of our takings a week based on last year's turnover." Meanwhile, Ryedale District Council has sent out thousands of leaflets to tourism honeypots in the area, in a bid to give visitors the message that the district is open for business. The leaflets will be given to visitors to Ryedale over the crucial Easter weekend. But Phil Lee, landlord of the New Inn pub and brewery in Cropton, said he has written off the entire year already.

He said: "Things are bad. The public don't want to come into the countryside, so sadly I don't think these leaflets will make a difference. We are losing £2,000 a week."

To get in touch with Business Link North Yorkshire, call the information centre on 01904 686000.

Updated: 11:51 Wednesday, April 11, 2001