A £150,000 financial aid package for West Devon businesses hit by the foot and mouth crisis has been drawn up by the borough council.

Business rate relief claim forms have been sent out this week to more than 2,000 firms across the borough.

All businesses are being given the opportunity to apply for relief as the foot and mouth crisis takes a hold.

The borough is one of the worst hit foot and mouth areas in the country with more than 60 cases confirmed to date.

But the crisis has had a serious knock-on effect for businesses across West Devon, causing great financial hardship for many.

Now the council is hoping that its aid package will help.

Last month, the Government announced its basic business rates relief for those hit by the crisis. But it applies to businesses with a rateable value below £12,000 and runs for a temporary three-month period.

The council's rates relief scheme goes above and beyond the Government's plans.

It will apply to all businesses who can prove they are suffering regardless of rateable value, and will continue for a full 12 months.

Cllr Peter Hill, chairman of the council's policy and resources committee, this week urged businesses to send their claims in as soon as possible.

He said: 'The council realises that there are many firms in dire need in West Devon because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

'Business rates relief is not the complete answer to their financial difficulties. But we hope that this will go a long way to relieve them of some of their financial burdens.'

The council is also urging West Devon businesses to appeal against their rateable value while the crisis is ongoing.

They must act now to ensure that relief can be applied back to the beginning of the crisis in February.

If anyone needs further information on the appeals procedure contact the council on (01822) 813752.