TOURIST attractions are finding it hard to survive in the current foot and mouth crisis and some face closure.

Many have reopened and are urging visitors to return and enjoy what events and activities they are still permitted to run.

Chiltern Open Air Museum has been shut for the last four weeks and has lost vital revenue from school trips.

Joanna Milford, director of the museum, in Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, said: "We need our visitors. Without our visitor revenue we are in grave danger of having to close. We urge people to come and help us and support the museum by bringing family and friends to try out all our events and activities."

Staff at Odds Farm Park are also urging visitors to return to the attraction so they can continue looking after their animals.

The farm, at Wooburn Common, has already had to lose several staff because of dwindling finances.

Owner Steve Vinden said: "We are a dedicated farm park with no alternative sources of income and the impact of the closure has been devastating.

"It is likely that it will be years before we make a full recovery, but we do believe that it was prudent to be cautious.

"We need to refute the impression that the whole of the countryside is closed."

The National Trust has decided to boost rural economy by also reopening some of its doors.

Among the properties are Cliveden, Princes Risborough Manor House, West Wycombe village and West Wycombe Hill.

Buckinghamshire is one of the few counties left free of the terrible disease and restrictions on the land are still in force.

The latest news on foot and mouth can be found at www.maff.gov.uk