Farm restrictions are relaxed

Britain's embattled farming industry was on the move again today as Government vets eased movement restrictions in areas at low risk of foot and mouth disease.

Shropshire livestock markets welcomed the move but urged farmers not to flood the auctions with stock for fear of driving down prices.

Bernie Hutchinson, who runs Barbers livestock auction at Market Drayton, said there was a huge sense of relief.

"Everyone has had a tough time since August," he said. "One minute you are running a well established business and the next minute it is taken away without warning."

Although there will be a backlog of calves, store cattle and store sheep to sell, Mr Hutchinson urged farmers to show restraint if they wanted to guarantee the best price.

He said: "I appreciate there is apprehension if foot and mouth rears its head again but we do not want to flood the market in the first week.

"It is the old laws of supply and demand. If there is an over-supply there is a lack of demand and prices will go through the floor."

Halls Auctioneers in Shrewsbury is planning five sheep sales in Bishop's Castle next week.

Director David Giles said: "A lot of sales are going to clash and both farmers and buyers are going to have to decide which ones to go to. They cannot be in two places at once. The worry is that trades have collapsed - particularly for sheep.

"Given that the Government is culpable for this mess it could be staring at some pretty serious litigation in the near future."

Yesterday the Government said it was relaxing the rules over drivers' hours outside the foot and mouth risk zone to allow important movements of animals.