ALTHOUGH DEFRA officials reported only one new case in North Yorkshire overnight - near Northallerton - there were clear signs that tempers were beginning to fray as livestock culls continued in the Skipton-Barnoldswick area.

More than 20 farmers marched on Skipton Town Hall last night, protesting that the Government was using the culls as an excuse to reduce livestock numbers in Britain in line with EU policy.

Another protest meeting, for farmers, rural business owners and anyone else affected will be staged in Skipton Town Hall car park at 7pm on Friday.

Yesterday's announcement of grants averaging £2,000 from Yorkshire Forward to non-farming rural businesses did little to assuage tempers. One Dales hotel owner said dismissively: "That would barely cover one week's staff wages and other outgoings."

And the Yorkshire Dales National Park issued an angry statement deploring plans for mass trespasses on closed public rights of way.

Said park Chief Executive David Butterworth: "It is upsetting that we are being threatened with a trespass, which will only serve to cause a divide in the communities of the national park.

"Foot and mouth disease is far from being under control in the south of the area, which is why we continue to support the cautious approach being taken by the county councils to the reopening of rights of way.

"The priority for this authority, and the other agencies, bodies and individuals involved is the containment of foot and mouth disease. Any action that could threaten that would be short-sighted, irresponsible and anyone taking part in any such protest would be committing a criminal offence and risking a £5,000 fine."