FARMERS in and around Redditch have been left devastated and fearing for their livelihood as the foot and mouth crisis continues to spread, writes Becky Procter.

No cases of the highly contagious disease have been confirmed in the area but farmers have taken urgent steps to protect their land and animals as best they can.

Foot and mouth affects cloven-hoofed animals and can be carried in the air and transferred by humans, animals, birds and vehicles.

Farmers are scattering disinfected straw at the entrance to their farms, erecting "keep out" signs and stopping vehicles from visiting their land.

But it is also the Government's ban on all livestock movement which has had a severe knock-on effect on farmers and butchers.

Andrew Dobin, of Newhouse Farm, Weatheroak Hill, near Alvechurch, said: "We have 100 sheep about a mile and a half away and we can't bring them back for lambing because of the restrictions. We also can't sell any lambs.

"We have some which need to be put out to graze and we can't do that - we just have to carry on feeding them and eventually we won't be able to afford to carry on.

"We also have beef cattle which we can't sell. Because of the 30-month rule, which says you can't sell cattle for food consumption after this time, they may end up just being slaughtered."

He added: "We're dairy farmers as well but it may get to the stage where the milk lorries won't be allowed through. The truth is, if this carries on, many farms such as ours simply won't survive."

Webheath farmers E&M Kember, of Pool Farm, have erected two signs warning people to stay out.

Wythall farmer Simon Beckett runs a children's farm which is due to open on March 24.

But he said: "We'll now postpone the opening until we know what's happening. The main animals which are at risk are the deer and we're very concerned about them.

Inkberrow farmer Ann Hocknell, of Littleworth Farm, remembers the foot and mouth crisis 30 years ago.

She said: "We're very concerned. We have tried to restrict vehicles coming onto the farm. We have a dairy farm and the milk tanker is disinfected before it comes in. We are doing everything we can."

Astwood Bank butcher Pete Lawton, who runs Pete the Meat in Evesham Road, said: "If they keep the ban on moving livestock, we'll be affected. We buy meat from local farmers and it's a concern to us.

"I have already noticed the prices of meat have gone up. But I will not put my prices up."

Redditch Council's area manager for environmental services, Guy Revans, has cancelled scheduled country walks around the town.

He said: "The council is advising people not to walk across farmers' land and to use parks in the urban part of town."