aTHERE has been a disappointing response to the offer of financial help to businesses affected by the foot and mouth crisis.
West Devon Borough Council agreed a £150,000 financial aid package last month and business rate relief claim forms were sent out to more than 2,000 firms across the Borough.
But to date just 74 businesses have requested help.
Cllr Peter Hill, chairman of the council's policy and resources committee said: 'If people need help, then we can help them. But they must send their forms back as soon as possible to receive that help.'
The borough's rates relief scheme goes beyond that of the Government in that it applies to all businesses who can prove that they are suffering - as opposed to just those with a rateable value below £12,000. The scheme will also run for twelve months instead of three.
In addition, the council is urging West Devon businesses to appeal against their rateable value while the crisis is ongoing, but they need to do so now to ensure that relief can be back-dated to the beginning of February.
Information is available on 01822 813752.