BUREAUCRATIC delays are hampering efforts to re-open auction marts after the foot-and-mouth crisis, it was claimed this week.

Defra has declared that markets can start re-opening from February 11.

But the application forms for the licence to hold the markets were only posted on the Defra web site on Tuesday.

According to some market managers it means that, even if they get the licence through, they will not have time to advertise ready for next week.

Derek Tyson, auctioneer with Northallerton Auctions, said the delay meant they would not open until the week of Monday, February 18.

"Given the time scale we can't jump through all the hoops in time to advertise the markets for next week," he said. "It is typical of Defra. But it is good news to be back in business."

The 12-month closure of the markets since the start of the foot-and-mouth outbreak led to hundreds of employees being forced to find other work.

Strict bio-security measures will be in place when the marts do open.

These include farmers changing into clean clothing when they set off for the mart after loading their stock, and disinfecting their wagons before loading. Only slaughter markets will be allowed for sheep and pigs.

Many auctioneers say it will create extra costs for the market system which they can ill afford.

John Earle, of Darlington Farmers' Auction, said they had no firm date for re-opening but hoped it would be in the near future.

"There's going to be more bio-security and much more paper work to be completed by all concerned," he said. "We welcome the fact that things are going to be safer but we hope that the regulations will be workable."

A spokesman for Defra said some marts had already arranged for inspections so their licences could be processed more quickly.

She said they expected many auctions to go ahead next week