A decision is to be made on Monday by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership as to whether the Looe Valley Walking Festival, planned for May 5-19 can take place in view of the foot and mouth crisis.
A cancellation would be a blow to South East Cornwall, which is trying to encourage tourists to still come to the area. The event is being organised by the Caradon Countryside Services in conjunction with the Looe Valley Line Working Party, and is a fortnight aimed at promoting walking and using the scenic railway.
However, with many footpaths now closed, unless restrictions are lifted soon, there will not be enough time left for the organisers to get their main promotion of the event off the ground. It had been planned to advertise nationally and 30,000 leaflets have already been printed.
Caradon Countryside Officer Julia Moss, based at Looe Discovery Centre, said it was pointless advertising the event too late. 'If not many people come a lot of money will be wasted' she said. 'My gut feeling is that the event will be postponed.'