WEST Devon Borough Council has opened a special drop-in centre in Hatherleigh for people, particulary in the agricultural community, who need information and advice on the foot and mouth outbreak.
The West Devon Help Centre is at Hatherleigh Methodist Chapel and is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
It will be manned by advisors from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS). Appointments can also be made to meet a West Devon Business Information Point adviser.
Borough councillor Denis Bater, who represents Hatherleigh, said: 'The council felt very strongly that this drop-in centre was very much needed. Foot and mouth disease has hit our borough badly and we are one of the worst hit areas in the country.
'The centre is there for anyone who wants advice and information or even just a chat and a cup of tea.
'It's there to support everyone.'
The West Devon Help Centre opening hours are Tuesday (12.30pm to 3.30pm) and Thursdays and Fridays (10am to 1pm). The contact number is 01837 811185.