A FARMS tourism group is claiming emergency funds intended for businesses hit by foot and mouth are being swallowed up by business advisors and accountants.
Devon Farms Accommodation Co-operative say its 120 members have been hard hit by the crisis and Rural Development Agency emergency funds seemed a 'first glimmer of hope'.
But spokesman Robin Head said that optimism was 'short-lived'.
He said: 'In the first stage of the application, the business's accountant draws up an action plan, for which he receives £1,000 from the fund.
'For the business itself to obtain grant money to carry out the action plan, it has to pass eligibility tests so strict that the majority of businesses will fail.'
Mr Head said his members need cash to advertise in brochures next year and do not need action plans.
He was also worried that if the fund was not fully used because so few businesses were eligible, the Government would conclude no further support is necessary.
A spokesman for Business Link, which distributes the funds, said he 'fully understood' the frustration felt by businesses, but strict rules had to be applied to prevent fraudulent claims which were already being submitted.
He said Business Link was asking clients to take a positive view and make full use of chartered accountants time, which was being paid for by the emergency fund.