RED tape delays by the Government are hampering efforts to re-open auction marts after the crippling effects of foot-and-mouth, it was claimed today.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have declared that markets can start reopening from February 11.

But the application forms for the licence to hold the markets were only posted on the DEFRA website today.

According to some market bosses it means even if they get the licence through they will not have time to advertise in time for February 11.

Derek Tyson, auctioneer with Northallerton Auctions in North Yorkshire, said the bureaucratic delay meant they would not be opening 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 the week of February 11," 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 foot-and-mouth was unleashed on the country has been devastating, both for business and in terms of emotional support for farmers. Hundreds of employees were forced to find other work when the disease showed no signs of loosening its grip.

But the legacy of foot-and-mouth will still be evident by the strict bio-security measures which will be in place at the marts.

It includes 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.

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

A spokeswoman for DEFRA said some marts had already arranged for inspections so their licenses could be processed quicker.

She said they expected many auctions to go ahead at the end of February 11 week.