April 4, 2001 14:31: BROMLEY Farmers' Market, recently closed due to the foot-and-mouth crisis, has now been reopened by Bromley Council.

The decision follows consultation between Bromley Council and the Government.

Bromley Council's Environmental Health Unit's team leader Paul Lehane said: "We have carried out a risk assessment following advice from the Government, and we are able to reopen the Farmers' Market.

He said: "All footpaths and bridleways passing over or next to agricultural land must remain closed where there is a risk to farmers. This is our opportunity to show support for them."

Responding to the decision to reopen the market, Heidi Fermor, who runs a mixed farm in Bromley, said: "Some of us rely solely upon farmers' markets for our business it has been difficult to manage with the market closed. We are delighted and relieved Bromley has reopened."

There are still no reported incidents of foot-and-mouth disease in Bromley.

Several of the borough's green open spaces will remain closed to help combat the disease, which affects cloven hooved animals.

For an update on the situation in Bromley, call 020 8464 3333.