THE decision by Cornwall County Council to re-open about 10 per cent of the coastal footpath has given the tourist industry new hope for Easter.
More than 60 sections, 11 of them in South East Cornwall, had foot and mouth restrictions lifted on Monday, helping to cement the strong message that the countryside is open for business.
Traders, accommodation providers and attraction operators are hoping that these measures will help encourage visitors to come for an Easter break as usual - the traditional start to the tourist season and the lifeblood of the area.
At Looe and Polperro the council's measures have been particularly welcomed as those dependent on tourism have reported a definite downturn in people coming to the area so far. However, some say the very poor weather has had something to do with it as well as the current crisis.
In Looe and Polperro, especially last Sunday, there were signs of visitors trickling back, and fingers are now crossed for a fair Easter at least.
All the shops and restaurants have been gearing up in readiness, and the majority of attractions are open as usual, including the animal centres such as the Murrayton Monkey Sanctuary, Porfell Animal Farm and the Tamar Valley Donkey Park. Dobwalls Theme Park is preparing to welcome its millionth passenger aboard the steam loco, the General Palmer, and with the Eden Project up and running, the tourism agencies say there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. The footpaths now open have been carefully chosen to ensure that public access will not risk contact with farm animals.
The paths are clearly signed with special green signs, signifying 'go areas' at the beginning and end of each re-opened stretch. The closed paths are clearly signed with closure notices and any gates or stiles to closed areas are being physically blocked off with barriers and padlocks. About 90 per cent of the coastal path runs through farmland or is close to farmland and will remain closed. Inland footpaths, bridleways and off-road cycle ways (except in urban areas) throughout the countryside will also remain closed at present.
Caradon areas open are: Accesses to Kingsand and Cawsand beaches; access to steps at Cawsand; Wiggle-Tregonhawke, access to Whitsand Bay at Freathy, Sharrow Point to Tregantle; access to Finnygook Beach at Portwrinkle (the introduction of the seasonal dog ban on the beach as been deferred until further notice); access to Downderry Beach; Millendreath to East Looe; Talland to Polperro; Polruan (St Saviours Point).
In addition, the southern part of Seaton Country Park is now open and also the river walk at Kilminorth, East Looe, where a a circular route will be re-opened and signed. Caradon's town parks are open as well.
Restormel: Trenance (footbridge) - Porth Beach, Newquay Porth Beach - Barrowfields; Fly Cove; The Beacon - the Gannel via Towan Head, Fistral Beach and Great Toddy Cove; Rushy Green Car Park; Par Moor Road - Sea Road, Carlyon Bay; Porthpean Beach Road - Porthpean Beach; Mevagissey - Polstreath - The Cliff.
North Cornwall: Upton - Atlantic View Bungalow; Millook Beach (county road to the beach); Crackington Haven Car Park - Kissing Gate; Boscastle Harbour - Penally House; South of Boscastle Harbour - hairpin bend to the breakwater; Port Isaac - NCDC Car Park to the village; Pentireglaze Haven via Daymer Bay to Rock Sailing Club; Padstow - North Quay - St Saviours Point; Harlyn Beach - Bloodhouse Cove; Constantine Island to Treyarnon (Steps); Bedruthan - Pendarves Point - Carnevas Point.