A meeting of representatives from the farming, tourism and business industry in West Sussex has called for footpaths to remain closed in the region.

The National Farmers' Union, National Trust, Sussex Downs Conservation Board and the Country Land and Business Association, ramblers, horse riders and other animal welfare groups Met to discuss foot-and-mouth yesterday They decided paths and public rights of way should remain closed to keep the region foot-and-mouth free.

Those at the meeting, at West Sussex County Council's County Hall in Chichester, sympathised with people's frustration, but agreed they should identify self-contained "island" sites which could be opened for local recreational use after a risk assessment.

Selective re-opening of footpaths was rejected as too risky, confusing and impractical.

The council is battling against misinformation about how the disease is affecting tourism, by stepping-up its efforts to provide clear and consistent advice in the run-up to Easter.