RAMBLERS have called for clearer guidance on which footpaths remain closed following the lifting of restrictions on most rights of way in the Ribble Valley.

Lancashire County Council last week re-opened the majority of the rights of way network within the existing blanket closure area.

But members of the North East Lancashire branch of the Ramblers Association say more information should be made available as to which rights of way are fully open to the public.

Around 90 farms still remain under restrictions, with footpaths running through these properties staying closed.

Susan Baxendale, area secretary for the North East Lancashire branch said: "The recent publicity announcing that Lancashire is now 'foot and mouth free' has given the impression that all rights of way in the county are now open.

"This unfortunately is not the case. Many footpaths within the area known as the Settle Box remain closed."

She added: "Many people take the opportunity to walk in our beautiful Ribble Valley and it is here that there are many paths still closed.

"Walkers and visitors must know before they set out on a walk that the paths they intend to use are open.

"It would be most unfortunate if part way through the walk they found their way barred."

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said its Countryside Service website was updated regularly to show which areas still remained closed to the public and confirmed signs were being erected on sites still affected by the closure.

He added anyone wanting further information should ring the Countryside Service on 01772 264709 or visit the website at www.lancs

environment.com

The areas still affected by footpath closures include Dunsop Bridge and parts of the Settle Box which runs north of Clitheroe to Tosside and to Barnoldswick.