A PLEA for West Devon businesses affected by the foot and mouth crisis to apply for rates relief came from the borough council this week.

The authority is able to give up to 100 per cent relief on business rates for a year, provided the concern can prove they have been affected by the crisis.

Neil Williams, chief accountant at the borough, said a 'terrific' amount of money could potentially be saved by businesses.

'We have only had 100 businesses so far in West Devon apply and I'm not sure why. We have tried to make the form as simple as possible and we want to help as many people as we can'

The Government this week agreed to pick up the tab for 95 per cent of the cost to the borough for an extra six months. Ministers have agreed the relief can be given to businesses with a rateable value of less than £50,000 instead of the original £12,000, a policy West Devon had been applying anyway under discretionary powers.

'It will make our money go further, so we can help more people,' said Mr Williams.

West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett, who lobbied Government to support the rates relief policy, said: 'West Devon Council has gone out on a limb — I congratulate them for what they have done. They have helped enormously lots of businesses that have been facing the most incredible hardship.'

Businesses who wish to apply for rate relief should call 01822 813751 for further information.