MINISTERS have been urged to recognise that Richmondshire has been as hard hit by the foot-and-mouth outbreak as the headline counties of Cumbria and Devon.

Mr Harry Tabiner, Richmondshire District Council chief executive, has written to Countryside Minister Mr Michael Meacher to highlight the devastating effect of the crisis on almost all local businesses.

"We have experienced the largest number of cases by far in the dales and this had had a truly devastating impact on the local economy," said Mr Tabiner.

"A recent survey of 40 businesses in Wensleydale showed that more than 70pc are losing business as a result of the crisis and many other indicators are showing similar worrying trends across the whole district.

"As a result, it is vital we get our message across to the government to make sure we are first in line for help with recovery once the crisis is over."

The council has already backed a motion by the most sparsely populated councils' group, which represents about 40 local authorities, including all those whose communities are worst affected by the virus.

The motion presses the government to act on eight key fronts ranging from beginning the forward planning process to ensure a sustained recovery to lobbying Europe for funding.

l Wensleydale business community lobbies Westminster: page 14.

l English Nature has called for an early debate on the future of hill farming in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis page 3.

Fair moved

DUE to the foot-and-mouth crisis, Danby craft fair will be held at the Metropole, Whitby, on Sunday (10am-3pm), with free admission