PUBLIC footpaths are to remain closed for at least another month as the foot and mouth epidemic continues, council chiefs have announced.

Restrictions will remain in force around Blackburn with Darwen until the current crisis comes to an end.

Bin collections also continue to be hit by the outbreak of the viral disease and collections at farms directly affected by the problem are still being asked to place household rubbish in a secure bag and leave it at the junction of the farm track and the road on the morning of their normal collection.

Signs are also at entrances to affected areas and dog owners have again been warned to keep their pets under control.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member of the council with responsibility for trading standards, said the precautions were to protect farmers and livestock.

She added: "I should like to thank people for their co-operation and appeal to them to continue helping us, and the community, during this difficult time."

So far there have been two confirmed cases of the disease locally, one at Ollerton Farm in Withnell which was the first Lancashire case identified, and another at Slingers Abattoir in Great Harwood. Across the country more than 80 cases of foot and mouth have been discovered and many farms remain under investigation, and 47,000 animals have been culled in a bid to prevent the disease being passed on. This week the government announced a relaxation on the restrictions on animals being taken directly to abattoirs from farms unaffected by the outbreak, under special licence.

THE inauguration of the Ribblesdale Auction Rooms antiques and furniture sales at Clitheroe Auction Mart is to go ahead as planned today despite the closure of the auction to animal sales for the duration of the current foot and mouth crisis. A purpose-built building measuring 120ft by 90ft will hold weekly sales at 11am.The first one is a catalogue sale with catalogues available on the door and more than 400 lots listed.

Details of forthcoming furniture sales and catalogues can be obtained by ringing For details call Wilf Mould at the auction mart on 01200 423325.