Public is ready to return to country

The British public is becoming more positive about visiting the countryside in the face of the foot-and-mouth outbreak, according to a survey by the English Tourism Council.

But it found that much still needed to be done to restore confidence in countryside tourism.

Following a survey of 1,000 UK residents, the council claimed that its Easter advertising campaign had reduced by one-fifth the previous figure of 46% of people who had thought that most places in the countryside were closed.

While 63% of those surveyed believed that travellers should avoid any part of the country hit by foot-and-mouth, 75% felt that there was no problem visiting the countryside as long as tourists avoided farm animals, and 78% agreed that there was still plenty to see and do in rural areas.

Some 46% said that they intended to visit the countryside within the next month or two, but 69% believed that country walks were off the agenda because most footpaths were closed, and 52% felt that the sight of farm culls would spoil their enjoyment.

Culture Minister Chris Smith last week announced a five-pronged recovery strategy for tourism that included information, opening attractions and footpaths, financial help for struggling firms, and advertising the message that it is "OK in the UK".

Visit www.culture.gov.uk to keep up with regular updates to the strategy.

by Angela Frewin