ONE of Congleton's top tourist attractions will not open as planned tomorrow because of the foot and mouth crisis.

Little Moreton Hall attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, and the driveway to the hall also leads to a farm.

National Trust bosses decided not to open the hall to help reduce the risk of spreading the disease.

Biddulph Grange Garden was due to open on schedule on Wednesday as part of a phased opening by the trust of 160 properties.

Those chosen to open were felt by the trust to pose a minimal threat to the spread of foot and mouth disease.

The National Gardens Scheme has cancelled the opening next Sunday of Cranberry Cottage near Smallwood because it is near fields containing sheep and cattle.

In addition Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has closed the Biddulph Valley Way.