AS the persistent threat of the foot and mouth crisis hangs over the country, farmers in the St Helens area are asking for the public's continued co-operation to control the disease.

They have also praised the people of St Helens for what they say has been a vital role in preventing the disease from invading farms in the region.

And St Helens Council has taken further precautionary measures against the disease, urging people to take extra care in the countryside and to limit their use of public footpaths close to farmland.

James Heyes Senior of James Heyes and Son Farmers at Mossborough Hall in Rainford, who was featured in last week's Star, said he is extremely grateful for the public's co-operation in fighting the disease. He said: "I have received a huge amount of support from the local community - I haven't seen a soul on the land around my farm all weekend and I really appreciate the public's concern.

"I also feel that the bright sunshine over the past week has helped the situation a lot."

James was impressed by the Government's reaction to the outbreak.

"To use a pun - they have really taken the bull by the horns and have done a good job dealing with the problem," he said.

But James stressed that the situation at his farm remains serious as he is faced with new challenges.

He said: "I've got almost 400 cows here that will be coming into the calving season soon and I'm afraid that they will have to exist in less than perfect conditions."

Many paths which either pass through or near to local farms have already been closed, and the Council has now contacted local fishing and rambling clubs to ask for their co-operation in tackling the disease.

Council leader Marie Rimmer said: "St Helens Council is determined to do as much as possible during the emergency to help to prevent the virus entering the Borough.

"Our environmental health officers are receiving a considerable amount of information from Central Government on the preventative measures we need to take."

Steve Massey, the Council's Assistant Director for Environmental Health added: "We are coordinating preventative action which we consider is necessary to minimise the chances of the infection coming into the Borough.

"St Helens does not have any confirmed cases of the foot and mouth infection and the help of everyone within the community is requested to keep it that way.

"The virus, although not transmissible to humans, is extremely infectious and can be carried on footwear and clothing to infect farm animals.

"I would ask that the public continue to act sensibly and not to visit the rural areas of the Borough, not even to walk their dogs, while the emergency exists."

Knowsley Safari Park also remains closed until further notice although the situation should be clearer towards the end of the week.