l The Bath and West Show will go ahead this year — minus the stock classes. With just eight weeks to go before the show begins, officials have been monitoring the situation daily. The showground is now open for business provided the situation does not deteriorate further. Events to go ahead as scheduled include the Knit Stitch and Creative Crafts Show on April 26 and the South West Custom and Classic Bike Show on May 5.
l Free financial advice for those suffering hardship as a result of the crisis is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau. The CAB has launched an emergency freephone telephone number for those in the rural community who need urgent financial help: 0800 138 1647 (1pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday). Advice is also available by e-mail, on [email protected]">[email protected]
l The Country Landowners' Association (CLA) is advising people facing financial hardship caused by the crisis to act as soon as possible and seek help from 'every possible lifeline'. The CLA is advising people to talk to banks, creditors, the Inland Revenue, local authorities or buildings and plan re-scheduling action.
l SWEB has come up with a £1.8-million package of measures to ease the financial burden for people struggling to maintain their livelihoods. The standing charge for electricity for those on SWEB's farm tariff is being removed between April and June and farming communities will be able to sign up for a discounted rate on their electricity bills. Flexible payment arrangements will be offered to help with cash-flow and an advice helpline has been set up: 08000 282244 on weekdays between 9am and 5pm. The measures could save up to £130 per year on electricity bills.
l A meeting of the South West Trades Union Congress takes place in North Devon tomorrow (Friday) to consider the best way help members affected by the foot and mouth crisis. Workers are being affected in various ways, some directly at the centre of the outbreaks, others in food processing, tourism or other related jobs. The meeting at Croyde Bay will be addressed by Anthony Gibson, NFU regional director.
l Tamar Valley Donkey Park, closed since the start of the foot and mouth crisis, is to re-open for the season this Saturday. MAFF vets have confirmed it is safe to re-open the park, although the goats, sheep and pigs will be off-limits to visitors. More information can be obtained by calling 01822 834072.
l The Dartmoor Challenge sponsored walk, due to take place on April 21 and 22, has been cancelled due to the crisis. Steve Parker, organiser of the annual walk which raises funds for CLIC, said he hopes to re-schedule the event for the weekend of September 29 and 30.