SINCE last week there have been 26 new cases of foot and mouth in Devon bringing the total to 128, and a fourth in Cornwall.

In the Times circulation area up to Wednesday midday, new cases were confirmed at Lobhill Cottage at Lewdown, where 52 cattle and 229 sheep were affected.

The Three Oaks farm at Gulworthy, with 92 cattle and 100 sheep, was mistakenly reported as a confirmed case last Wednesday.

Also confirmed were East Reed farm, Bratton Clovelly — 292 cattle, 134 sheep and two pigs; Leigh Farm, Lewdown — 80 sheep; Southill, Petrockstowe — 50 cattle and 560 sheep; Oatnell Farm at Sourton — 143 cattle, 147 sheep, a goat and a pig; Moorview, Lewdown — 274 cattle and 11 sheep.

Forty people from the Royal Navy were drafted in to reinforce the military units already working alongside MAFF.

The Cornish infection was at Canworthy Water near Launceston.

l A number of coastal footpaths in Devon and Cornwall have been re-opened in time for Easter.

Open paths will be clearly marked, all unmarked trails should be considered closed.

Advice will be posted for path users about staying on the paths, respecting 'No Access' signs and keeping dogs on a short lead.

County councils have warned that if the paths are misused they will be re-closed.

Detailed information can be obtained on tourist board and county council websites or in Devon by calling 01392 382550 and Cornwall on 01872 322900.

None of the restrictions on rights of way, common or access land on Dartmoor have yet been lifted. But all moorland roads are open, hotel, pubs, village services and attractions can be visited.

l Dartmoor National Park Authority gave its full backing to proposals to establish a Moor Futures package of aid and assistance to hill farmers and the wider rural economy of Dartmoor.

The authority is putting £15,000 in initially to research new resources available under Objective 2, the England Rural Development Plan, Leader Plus and other agencies and partnerships.

'Every help will be critical if farmers, tourist businesses and everyone else in the Dartmoor economy are to recover,' said authority chairman Bill Cann.

l The Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme has been extended to assist businesses hit by foot and mouth.

Businesses suffering cashflow problems due to the crisis will be able to apply to their banks for loans of up to £250,000 through the scheme, which is guaranteed by the Government.

l The Army is appealing for farmers willing to offer their land for the burning of animal carcasses. A payment of £10 per linear metre of fire can be paid. Contact 01392 266278.

l A team of lawyers is to hold a seminar in Tavistock next week aimed at helping small businesses survive the foot and mouth crisis.

Legal experts from Clarke, Wilmott and Clarke will talk on topics including employment, financial issues, contracts, liabilities and insurance. The seminar will take place at the Bedford Hotel April 19 from 4.30-6.30pm. 50 places are available, call 0117 941 6600.

l Devon's mobile library is back on the road.

The service is being reinstated for communities located near A and B class main roads.

For details see http://www.devon.gov.uk">www.devon.gov.uk or call 01271 388619.

l Tavistock Cricket Club has been given permission by both MAFF and the National Parks Authority to access the club and Ring at Whitchurch Down in order to carry out essential work.

All work will be carried out in full accordance with the guidelines given by MAFF.