MURTON Park, near York, home to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, will be open to the public this Easter - but no livestock will be on site because of the foot and mouth crisis.

Shortly after the discovery of the first foot and mouth case, a decision was taken to isolate all the livestock at Murton Park in one area and seal them off from the rest of the site.

But with the situation showing no signs of improving and concerns being voiced for animal welfare, an emergency meeting of the Murton Park management committee resolved to remove all livestock from the site. The ewes in lamb are being moved to safer paddocks beyond the museum, while the goats and the pony have been found temporary homes.

Site manager, Dave Thirwall, said: "This is not a decision we have taken lightly and it has been done in full consultation with MAFF. We feel we owe it to the agricultural community to act responsibly to reduce the risk of infection."

Murton Park will, however, be open to the public and the Easter Bunny is one animal who will be on the site. He will be there with the steam train over the Easter weekend giving away Easter eggs to those who have completed the Easter Eggstravaganza hunt.

Meanwhile, Hambleton Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) is working to help residents in the district cope with the problems arising from foot and mouth.

"As well as those farmers who are suffering directly, many other businesses and families are struggling because of the knock-on effect," said Helen Donnelly, rural outreach worker.

"We are able to advise on employment issues for those laid-off, entitlement to benefits and money advice for individuals or families who have been affected, as well as providing general advice on other issues which may arise. We also have details of many other agencies who are able to offer support."

For advice ring the Northallerton office on 01609 770309 or call in to the CAB offices in Easingwold or Thirsk.

The CAB office in Easingwold is based at the town library and is open on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, between 10am and noon. Its equivalent in Thirsk is based at the town Hall on Mondays, from 10am to 2pm.

Updated: 15:33 Thursday, April 05, 2001