Now you can take part in a poll as to whether North Mymms Parish Council should re-open the public area or write your views as usual in the 'Have Your Say' section of the site.

The latest call comes as Hertfordshire announces that it has now opened more than a thousand paths as foot-and-mouth restrictions are eased nationwide.

The authority has also re-opened dozens of local woods but the Parish Council run Gobions Open Space remains closed.

One local resident, writing in the 'Have Your Say' section says she was in touch with North Mymms Parish Council two weeks ago and was told a letter was being sent to the local farmer asking when it would be convenient to re-open the area.

“I called today (Thursday, May 3) and was told the letter had not yet been sent,” she wrote.

The correspondent is now thinking about writing to the Chief Executive of Hertfordshire County Council and the local MP. She says she would like to set up a meeting with local community representatives to discuss the issue.

She is also suggesting a petition be drawn up calling for the access ban to be lifted.

And she thanks the trustees of neighbouring Gobions Woodland Trust who decided to keep the popular woods open throughout the outbreak.

May 4, 2001

CNN.com Europe has a special section with the latest news and background information on the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Recent News
Dog owners urged to clear up mess - April 23, 2001
Footpath reopening plan back on track - April 21, 2001
'Saboteurs' halt footpath opening plan - April 17, 2001
Foot-and-mouth ban challenged - April 11, 2001
Gobions Wood to stay open - April 1, 2001
Gobions Open Space closed - March 24, 2001
County council closes all footpaths - March 4, 2001
Foot-and-mouth restrictions increased - March 2, 2001
Foot-and-mouth restrictions spread - February 27, 2001
Foot-and-mouth plea to ramblers - February 23, 2001