FOOT and Mouth has affected 53 homes in Lancashire since Ollerton Farm, Withnell, became infected on February 27.

Along the way it has ravaged many rural communities like West Bradford and Bolton-by-Bowland, leaving farmers virtually bankrupt and villagers as prisoners in their own homes under severe movement restrictions.

In fact 4,000, animals were slaughtered in Pendle during one week in June - under the shadow of the famous hill.

East Lancashire has been foot and mouth free since June 28.

While some may see this as an argument to lift restrictions, others believe it is evidence for them to continue.

Minister for Rural Affairs Margaret Beckett is refusing to lift restrictions until all test results are complete.

And a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs explained that the decision taken by Lancashire County Council was understandable in the face of the devastation there had already been.

"They are taking a cautious view," she said.

"The risk of someone spreading the disease by people walking on Pendle Hill on Hallowe'en is remote but not non-existent.

"So they have taken the view that until they have the all clear it's better safe than sorry."

A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: "Blood sampling of livestock in this area has started and it is expected to take around two months before it's completed.

"And DEFRA advise that Pendle Hill and the surrounding rights of way will remain closed for at least the next two months.

"This means that there will be no Hallowe'en celebrations or fairs as there have been in the previous years.

"Lancashire County Council is also requesting members of the public to assist in the fight against Foot and Mouth disease by keeping away from the area."