EXMOOR and the rest of the West Somerset countryside is open and ready to welcome visitors.
That's the clear message from West Somerset Council and Exmoor National Park Authority in the wake of the discovery of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle in Surrey.
The council's environment portfolio holder, Cllr Jon Freeman, said: "I can assure people there is full access to our footpaths, beautiful moorland and coastal walks.
"The district's beauty spots and visitor attractions are still open for business and locals and tourists alike will receive their usual warm West Country welcome."
He added: "Farming and tourism are the linchpins of our local economy, so it is important to let people know that West Somerset is open for business as usual."
Clare O'Connor, spokesman for the national park, said: "We have no plans to close any paths or areas of Exmoor.
"We are definitley open and ready to welcome visitors."
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