A SPECIAL foot and mouth task force set up by North Yorkshire County Council is urging the Government to offer cash support for businesses worst affected by loss of tourism.

The group is also calling for a clear message that many of the county's attractions are still open.

The task force consists of representatives from a wide variety of organisations including the National Farmers' Union, Yorkshire Tourist Board and members of the business community.

The key areas under discussion include access to the county's rural areas and the impact on livelihoods in farming and tourism, as well as other businesses closely linked to these two vital industries.

Members of the group are now preparing an action plan in time for the main tourist season which starts at Easter.

This will include clear lines of communication through Tourist Information Centres and the Yorkshire Tourist Board so that people are aware of the area's attractions.

Jeremy Walker, chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, said: "The group clearly believes the Government should be doing more to offer short term cash support for the worst-hit businesses in the infected areas which have been badly hit by the crisis.

"We are all agreed that the prime objective is to prevent the spread of the disease. A cautious approach is needed, so we will not be reopening footpaths now. Next we need to carry out risk assessments.

"Organisations like the National Parks, the National Trust and English Heritage will be doing the same to see which attrac-tions can be safely opened.

Updated: 08:51 Monday, March 26, 2001