Football matches are back on this weekend in most of Coventry, but people are still being urged to keep out of parks shut because of foot and mouth disease.

Officials are reminding walkers to stay off land that has been closed to try and stop the disease spreading.

Footpaths and parks around the edge of the city were shut last week to contain the virus, but some people ignored the warning notices telling people to stay out..

Football matches were cancelled last weekend in case there was a risk of spreading the highly contagious disease.

The ban has now been relaxed except for certain parks. Sowe Common is part of an infected area and is still off limits, and Floyds Field and Coundon Hall Park are also closed for football.

Members of the public are being urged not to flout rules banning people from paths and parks that are still closed.

Cllr John McNicholas, cabinet member (Environmental Services), said:

“Again I would respectfully remind people that we all play a part in trying to reduce the risks of foot and mouth.

“It’s a case of town and country communities working together to stop the spread of this disease. Please keep out of the countryside this weekend and until further notice.”

SEE [02 MAR 01] FOOTBALL OFF AS CITY PARKS AND PATHS SHUT