WORK by the district council is being scaled back dramatically around the Spa in an attempt to halt the spread of foot and mouth disease.

Non-urgent work in rural areas is to be put on hold until the crisis ends.

Wychavon District Council's head of environmental health, Nick Baker, said: "The local position regarding foot and mouth is changing quickly and the situation is being reviewed regularly by the council's senior management team.

"The council has adopted a precautionary approach in response to the outbreak and has minimised all non-urgent work in rural areas."

Site visits to farms by planning and building control officers have been cancelled and visits by councillors to rural areas have been curtailed.

Delays in processing planning applications are expected as a result.

Land drainage inspections in rural areas have also been stopped, but the council admits this could have an impact on the flooding of properties.

The dog warden will now only collect strays from rural areas if they have been caught and secured. Dog walkers are also advised to keep pets on a lead.

Extra dog patrols in urban areas and parks have been planned to cope with the higher numbers of walkers and prevent fouling on the street.

Street sweeping and litter picking will go ahead in rural areas to avoid debris blocking drainage and causing a flooding risk. Refuse vehicles are being disinfected regularly.

Households on farm tracks and private roads are asked to continue to leave their rubbish by the public road where it will be collected.

Food safety officers are also working with local producers to provide export certificates for meat products and disinfection certificates for vehicles carrying produce.