MORE than half of Kent's footpaths have been reopened in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Kent County Council (KCC) closed 4,200 miles of footpaths in February in a bid to stop the disease spreading to livestock in the county.

The partial opening comes as a compromise to benefit tourism but to protect livestock farmers. KCC leader Councillor Sandy Bruce-Lockhart said: “Waiting for all Kent to be clear could take at least another month. This is too long.

“Therefore we must go for a partial opening which is inevitably complex.”

The council has written to more than 2,500 farmers to advise on the new situation and has contacted parish councils to help. Only footpaths and bridleways which cross land where there may be livestock will remain off-limits to the public.

KCC has also produced two posters setting out a new code of conduct for public rights of way.

Along with staying away from livestock, the public are asked to keep dogs under control and to take any waste, including food, home with them.

John Biram of the Country Land Association said: “Livestock farmers support the compromise.

“Many farms also rely on tourism to make money.”

“With footpaths now partially open it is hoped tourists will be attracted back to Kent without risking a new outbreak.”