PARISH councils in the Nidderdale area are in rebellion against Government orders to re-open all footpaths this weekend - and are being backed by North Yorkshire County Council members.

DEFRA, which is under intense lobbying pressure from organisations like the Ramblers' Association to re-open the countryside, wants all rights of way re-opened in areas which are not directly subject to foot and mouth controls.

But an emergency meeting of parish councillors from Nidderdale - close to the new cluster of confirmed cases in the Thirsk district - voted last night to defy the order and have been promised support by county councillors.

• There was a new confirmed case at Giggleswick, the first in the Settle area since a case at Rathmel a week ago, dashing hopes that the Craven outbreak might finally be under control.