IF ever we needed evidence of the precipitous state of the British countryside, of the fragile balance of life within it, the events of the past ten days have provided it.

The truth, however, is that none of us needed a virulent disease to show what an open and honest pair of eyes has been able to see for years.

Likewise, it shouldn't need us to remind readers what's gone wrong.

Nevertheless, it's worth doing, especially if your life revolves round urban issues. Try thinking of a week with no regular bus service, no corner shop, no hope of an affordable home if you're looking to step on to the bottom rung of the property ladder, and little prospect of finding a job, and you'll see what we mean.

That's before you even mention BSE or foot and mouth by name.

No surprise, then, that we find ourselves clutching at the hope that the Government's £5m Parish Plan fund - outlined on P8 today - does, indeed, make the difference to communities which New Labour hope it will. Heaven knows, they need it.

There's no doubt that, when they don't succumb to the temptation of discussing tea and biscuits as a closed club, parish councils are essential forums for local issues.

But their members, and the people they represent, need to see firm evidence of improvements emerging from their deliberations.

That's why the Government's Rural White Paper needs to make its way swiftly through Parliament.

While acknowledging fears that some of its measures might frighten committed and capable candidates off the idea of parish service, it still represents a beacon of hope flickering on a hazy horizon.

And that shouldn't be underestimated, because one thing's certain. The quality of life in rural areas needs improving, and the best people to say how that should be achieved are those who make their communities tick and live their lives there.