Walker could be fined GBP5,000 for flouting foot-and-mouth rules

A man had to be airlifted from Snowdon on Saturday after venturing up the mountain despite warnings. The 45-year-old, from Telford in the Midlands, began his trek late in the afternoon, after wardens and volunteers, put in place to man entrances to footpaths, had been withdrawn. Members of the Llanberis mountain rescue team spotted the walker´s footprints in snow, but decided to call the helicopter from RAF Valley on Anglesey instead of walking over the ground themselves because of fears over foot-and-mouth.The man is thought to have injured his neck or back and he spent the night in hospital at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor. On Friday, officials from Snowdonia National Park Authority issued a notice stating anyone found on paths, pastures or agricultural land in the area would face a fine of £5,000. Local authorities across Wales have been co-operating with police to enforce the restrictions. Meanwhile, walkers brought out by Sunday´s sunny weather have intimidated countryside rangers, according to Caerphilly County Council. A spokesperson said people who were ignoring advice not to enter restricted areas had been hostile toward the rangers and had pulled down warning signs.

QuellePlanetFear