PETER Hutchinson is baffled. The farmer has permission from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to move his cows along a road when he needs to, on condition that he disinfects the road.
Now he has been warned by the Environment Agency that this disinfectant is polluting the River Ure. One arm of government is wrestling with another.
Mr Hutchinson's experience sums up the confused response to foot and mouth.
Landowners, farmers, walkers and tourists have all been left scratching their heads by Whitehall's mixed messages.
The countryside needs clarity if it is to recover quickly from the disease.
Updated: 10:19 Monday, August 13, 2001
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article