A FURTHER call for use of disinfectant mats on roads onto Dartmoor during the foot and mouth crisis came from the chairman of the National Park Authority this week.
Cllr Bill Cann told members of West Devon's partnership committee on Monday that feelings were high among moorland communities, who could not understand why the county council would not use the mats to prevent spread of infection.
He said all agencies involved in the crisis were working very well in the circumstances, but he was 'very disappointed' the county were not placing disinfectant mats on moorland roads.
'I think we should at least try to influence this policy — let's have something concrete why we can't have these mats,' said Cllr Cann.
His views were echoed by Cllr Dick Eberlie, who asked why Exmoor and Cornwall were 'fully protected' yet Dartmoor was 'open'.
'Anything the county could do to explain its position would be very helpful indeed,' said Cllr Eberlie.
'If not mats, straw — Dartmoor is still seriously at risk and we must ask the county highways authority to reconsider whether they are protecting the vast number of animals on the moor.
'Please can this policy be reviewed?' he said.
John Needham, of Devon County Council, told members it was policy that mats would not be used unless under 'specific direction' from MAFF.
He said there were also safety issues as disinfectant-soaked straw or mats could be very slippery for drivers.
Cllr Gretta Madigan, chairman of the committee, said she believed mats were proved to be ineffective after the 1967 outbreak of foot and mouth — they also created a 'false sense of security' which might lead to risk of further infection.
The committee agreed to request Edward Chorlton, Devon County Council's environment director, to write to all members explaining exactly why mats will not be used.