Sue Doughty welcomes closure of footpaths in foot-and-mouth zone

3.11.42pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 8th Aug 2007

Sue Doughty has welcomed the announcement that footpaths in the infected zone where foot-and-mouth disease has been found are to be closed.

Sue had already been calling for the closure of the footpaths, though expressed her concern at how long the decision has taken.

Sue said, "These measures are common sense and I am disappointed that it has taken this long. It is vital that we do all we can to prevent the further spread of this disease - closing the footpaths is a very important measure."

Sue has been briefing Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell and shadow environment secretary Chris Huhne on the foot-and-mouth outbreak since news first came in of the outbreak.

Sue said, "This is a real tragedy for local farmers. We must do all we can to limit the devastating effects that foot-and-mouth can have."