All rights of way throughout Sussex will be opened from the end of next week as foot-and-mouth restrictions are lifted.

East Sussex County Council made the announcement following a meeting with the National Farmers' Union and the Country Land and Business Association.

The three organisations are to send a joint letter to farmers and landowners across East Sussex telling them it is no longer necessary to keep footpaths closed.

A total of 85 per cent of footpaths in West Sussex have already reopened and risk assessments are being carried out on those which are still closed.

West Sussex County Council said they should all be open to the public by June 8.

This is just the sort of boost the rural economies of Sussex are crying out for before any more damage is done to their fragile infrastructure.

Scores of traders and tourist attractions face crippling debts because they have remained closed throughout the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Real people with real concerns have been left by the wayside while the rest of us are left to watch even less palatable images of slaughtered animals on TV.

The fact that all paths are about to reopen will galvanise ailing countryside businesses and provide a welcome tonic for thousands of walkers and visitors to our beautiful open spaces.