SOME of the 200 access restrictions imposed across Bury to beat foot and mouth disease could be lifted.

Council chiefs will study new guidelines as they consider whether certain "no go" areas can re-open. But land in the north of the borough, which is classed as being in the vicinity of an infected area, will remain closed to the public.

Restrictions were placed on around 200 local footpaths, bridleways and tracks three weeks ago.

The lifting of the restrictions locally could take place in what is deemed "controlled areas", those away from locations which have been hit by the escalating foot and mouth outbreak.

Yesterday, Bury Council was waiting to be briefed on the outcome of talks between government environment chiefs and the Local Government Association.

An Unsworth-based business is struggling to survive after being hit by the crisis.

For 19 years Alan Davies of Parr Lane has supplied farms with waste food which is processed and fed to animals. But the outbreak means that they have lost two of their three farming customers.

His wife, Lynda, said: "We're losing around £1,300 a month but hopefully we can soldier on for a couple of months.

"But if we can't supply the last remaining farm, then we'll have no business, no livelihood, no income and no means of support."

She feels the plight of her husband and others involved in similar businesses is being ignored by the Government.

"While I feel bad for those involved in the tourism industry, like hotels, they are not directly hit by this crisis but my husband is."

Mrs Davies is now calling upon the Government to extend compensation to businesses like her husband's.

Access restrictions have forced the cancellation of the annual Holcombe Hill Challenge, held each year for Bury Hospice.

The event, organised by well-known local athlete Mrs Marie Caldwell, was scheduled for April 1.

Now, she is appealing for people to transfer their sponsorship to support her entry into a 24-hour race at Doncaster in May.

They can write to her at 1 Bolton Road, Hawkshaw.

The general manager of the Church Inn in Birtle claims that access restrictions are hitting his trade.

Patrick Gerard said that the problem stemmed from a "no access" sign put up close to the pub.

But he stressed that the Church Inn is still open. "People think we are closed because of foot and mouth. They are just not coming."

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary remains closed to visitors but still needs urgent donations of cash and bedding.

Around 25 Bury Grammar School girls have started fund-raising for the animal charity in their lunch and break times.

Pupil Nicola Cunningham said: "I was shocked to read in the paper that they were facing a financial struggle."