Does anyone understand the current logic concerning the footpath closure in Ledbury?

The walkways alongside the river Leadon adjacent to the bypass have been closed since the foot and mouth outbreak, but last week people were seen to be mowing the grass. Are they exempt from the closure, or can us mere mortals also walk on these footpaths now?

I fully understand the need to reduce the risk of passing on infection but

this makes no sense at all as the Rugby Club is open and the by pass but the

path between is out of bounds and is nowhere near any farmland or farm

animals.

I believe I am not alone in my thoughts, having had similar conversation with numerous other dog walkers, who also have dogs fed up with walking the same walk day in and day out.

Joan Board, Russet Close, Ledbury. (via e-mail).