THE foot and mouth epidemic is far from over, as you will be aware, with more local cases being confirmed. Its effect on agriculture and the broader base of rural life, remains savage.

The true impact in the worst affected areas, such as the West Country and Cumbria, are worse than any other influence in the last 80 years.

If there is any good to come out of this crisis it is that for the first time in recent history the importance of rural communities has been exposed to the wider public. We have begun to see how individuals need each other in these areas and how their lives are interdependent and inextricably linked. Also, that agriculture is as much about stewardship of the countryside and rural communities as it is about simply running an open-air factory.

In addition the crisis is proving to be one of the biggest challenges facing parliament with a metropolitan reputation for misunderstanding or neglecting the needs of rural areas. The crisis has required politicians to meet the people in these areas: the farmers, the tourism chiefs and the families - all on equal terms.

Perhaps in the light of all this, politicians might realise their responsibilities now lie with rebuilding these areas, offering assistance, support and guidance. They will undoubtedly command respect and trust if they do. For a start they should withdraw gracefully from attempting to promote the Hunting Bill, a bill that is largely viewed with contempt by many rural communities, for it is likely to add insult to injury. What the countryside needs now is something, which will help them. Then and only then will trust return to a section of Britain which is our duty to protect.

JOHN BARTON, High Street, Broadway.