TOURIST attractions across the Vale and the Cotswolds have reported a weekend of brisk trade this Easter, despite the foot and mouth outbreak.

Although visitor numbers did appear to be down on previous years, the consensus was that, given the circumstances, the bank holiday weekend was a success for the local tourist industry.

Broadway had a busy weekend, despite the closure of the footpath to the tower.

Ironically, businesses said this restriction may have benefited traders by keeping visitors close to the village shops.

Chairman of Broadway Local Traders, David Robinson, said: "It hasn't been bad at all. The tearooms, especially, have been very busy; the turnover of tables has been colossal and hotels are fully booked and have been more or less full all weekend."

Dottie Friedli, manager of the tourist information centre, added: "We were very busy on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I think everyone was very happy with it."

Beckford Silk was another local attraction to enjoy a reasonably successful Easter.

Anne Hopkins, a director, said: "We had a lot of people coming through and a definite feeling that people were making an effort to go and visit things."

Cotswold Farm Park chiefs were also pleasantly surprised by visitor numbers.

According to farm secretary Paula Jones the weekend was: "Busier than we anticipated but way down on our usual numbers for Easter and lambing time." She added: "We are very grateful to the many members of the public who are continuing to support us."

Others were not so fortunate. Twyford Wildlife Centre continues to be closed and is looking for new ways to raise funds.

Centre assistant Charlotte Green said: "We've got to wait on the situation but we have been allowed to open a shop in Evesham, so that should help us to keep going."

The Easter Weekend had been anticipated by many as the first major test of the state of the rural tourist industry.

l Hidcote Manor Garden is still closed to the public because of foot and mouth restrictions and not open as reported last week.