A BUSINESS group has warned that many County Durham traders affected by the crisis may not survive the next few months.

Hundreds of businesses in the region are bracing themselves for the devastating impact of a drop in trade over the summer months.

County Durham's Business Link said already pubs, restaurants and traders in some areas had reported a huge downturn in customers, and many depend on the summer months to tide them through the winter.

Business Link's John Atkinsonsaid the impact of the epidemicmay be felt for years.

He said: "The tourism industry in County Durham is valued at £170m, and 80 per cent of the county is rural.

"This means that foot-and-mouth is a huge problem for local businesses, and we are working hard to address the situation.

"Farms and agricultural businesses are the obvious victims of this epidemic, but other enterprises are suffering.

"Traders in Middleton-in-Teesdale have reported a 50 per cent decline in tourists since the epidemic began, while Stanhope, in Wear Valley, is suffering a 60 per cent loss of visitors."

He said many rural pubs and restaurants had been forced to lay off staff, not only because of the dwindling tourist trade, but because of the effect there had been on local customers.

The crafts industry has also been affected, as the fairs and shows that crafts people would normally sell their goods at are being cancelled.

Business Link is planning a series of seminars to help businesses, which will cover subjects such as diversification, short-term job opportunities and debt management. It is also offering practical advice.

The organisation wants traders to get in touch and share information so resources can be targeted where they are needed most.

Contact Business Link on 0191-374 4000