Farmers need foot and mouth guidance, says MP

Local farmers are facing a 'double whammy' of restrictions in the wake of outbreaks of foot and mouth and bluetongue diseases in neighbouring counties.

Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel and South Downs, is calling for a clear timetable for the lifting of Government curbs on animal movements after meeting a group of West Sussex farmers to discuss the continuing fallout from the crises.

The meeting last Saturday was organised by Arundel farmers and livestock traders Arthur and Anne Harriott. Farmers have been hit hard by severe restrictions on the movement and export of livestock following the outbreak of the diseases.

Local producers say that the value of their livestock has dropped by about a third since last year.