CALLS are being made to re-open the tendering scheme for contracts to slaughter cattle over thirty-months-old, following accusations from West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett that the process was 'flawed'.

Mr Burnett claims that the tender rules were broken by the Government-appointed Intervention Board when awarding contracts for the OTMS culling scheme.

The decision to scrap contracts at 20 abattoirs in the country, including West Devon Meat at Hatherleigh, in a bid to save money has resulted in an uncertain future for the town's largest employer.

As well as the effect on the town's economy, the move has left the county — which has the highest density of cattle to be culled in the whole country — without an OTMS abattoir. It will also mean more costs to farmers to transport animals over 100 miles to the nearest abattoir at Bridgwater.

In a letter to Agriculture Minister Nick Brown, Mr Burnett claims he has evidence that one company was allowed into the tender process after the closing date for tenders, another firm was allowed to tender three times instead of two and one apparently insolvent company was permitted successfully to bid for a contract.

'I believe that the entire tendering process is seriously flawed,' said Mr Burnett. In his letter he has urged the minister to call in the process and reconduct it.

'Existing tenders should continue on a transitional basis under the old contracts until this matter is properly resolved and the rules of natural justice and fairness are complied with,' he said.

As the Times went to press yesterday (Wednesday) no-one from the Intervention Board was available for comment.