THE clean up operation following foot and mouth is in danger of becoming another organisational shambles, according to the Gloucestershire branch of the Country Land and Business Association.

Geoffrey Hopton, regional director of the CLA, said there were massive inconsistencies in approach, a lack or urgency and a complete absence of guidance or advice for farmers who have had their stock culled and their farms closed down.

"The whole process of disinfecting premises must be a matter or urgency - but we are receiving reports of confusion and contradiction," he said.

"Farmers need a sensible and practical source of advice and they need to be able to get their businesses going again as quickly as possible, but not at the risk of inadequate or slap dash cleansing."

Mr Hopton said there were numerous examples of conflicting and confusing advice on the use and sale of fodder crops, on how and when disinfecting will begin and who might carry it out.

"We had hoped we had seen the last of this kind of bureaucratic nonsense, but now it seems we are in danger of being treated to a repeat performance - and the people who have to suffer the consequences of this 'jobs-worth' approach are the farmers who are desperately attempting to get back into business," he said.