INCREASED costs and loss of revenue are faced by Malvern Hills Conservators as a result of the recent foot and mouth crisis.

Last week, the board instructed its committees to take another look at their budgets and make cuts where possible.

Finance officer John Taverner said he was concerned at the effect on the board's finances, which were not yet totally quantifiable.

"We're keeping a record of all the costs and there's a possibility that we will be able to claim some of it back," he said.

The economic development unit of the county council had indicated it would contribute to the cost of a hydrological survey, to make sure spring water would not be contaminated by disinfectant, Mr Taverner added.

"But we do have a deficit. We need to revisit our budgets and each committee needs to see where they can cut expenditure for 2001-2002," he said.

In answer to board member Brian Pilcher, who said he had noticed a "flagrant disregard" for disinfectant mats by people visiting the hills during the bank holiday weekend, director Ian Rowat said the situation was being monitored and reported to trading standards.

"I think we did the right thing in keeping the hills open," he said.

Staff were congratulated by the board for acting quickly and efficiently in response to the crisis, while fielding calls from the public which were often abusive.