A HEARTFELT plea has gone out to regular ramblers in Warrington as the spread of the foot-and-mouth crisis begins to die down.

Efforts are being made for the town's Ramblers Association (RA) to rally back together and keep the pastime well and truly alive in the aftermath of the devastating disease.

The Warrington group is said to have reacted with "concern and anguish" to the foot-and-mouth outbreak and has taken all precautions to avoid the spread of this terrible disease.

Those precautions involved the immediate cancellation of all walks until further notice.

A lot of the group's promotion is done by word-of-mouth during rambles - and the cancellations have led to some members losing touch and now news of the group's continuing social calendar is not getting through.

A spokesman said: "We in the Warrington group cancelled our full walking programme and thanks go to our members for their understanding and co-operation.

"Once there is sufficient evidence that the virus isn't spreading to new areas and the restrictions in unaffected areas is unnecessary, RA will make it clear that we expect all paths in 'safe' areas to be re-opened immediately.

"At this point in time there are encouraging signs that the outbreak has peaked. But the vast majority of paths in England are not open yet.

"We in the Warrington group hope to have our walking programme up and running as soon as it is safe."

Until normal service resumes, the group has vowed to continue, where possible, with its social programme.

The next event, planned for Sunday May 20, is a trip to Blackpool for a walk along the front and a tram ride.

Members are being asked to get back in touch by contacting Lucy, Pauline or Jean.