Hereford'S two biggest businesses have suffered mixed fortunes during this difficult week.

Sun Valley say a 'very serious situation' has developed for both the firm and the welfare of its birds.

"We use medium fuel oil to power our feedmill which provides all the mixed feed for our birds," said finance director Stephen Orledge.

"Live birds can only survive 24 hours without food," he warned.

"The hauliers who transport our wheat and grain from suppliers across the UK are also affected."

But Bulmers say they have enough diesel reserves to last for up to two weeks although some sub-contracted deliveries are being affected.

Many county supermarkets have been experiencing problems with deliveries.

Stocks of perishable goods, such as bread and milk, have run low amidst stories of 'panic buying' at the checkouts.

Both Tesco and Safeway are confident that they can keep their shelves well-stocked. Hadyn Ebbs, manager of Safeway, says that his petrol station ran out of fuel on Tuesday night although a 'small amount' was being held back for emergency services in Leominster.

Police and fire services in Hereford are making essential journeys only - although both have enough diesel to last another few days.

Sub-officer Neil Piggott from the city brigade is more concerned with people overfilling their petrol tanks.

Elderly suffering

They have had several calls this week to deal with vehicles whose tanks are leaking and he fears a disaster is imminent. "It only takes a discarded cigarette and we'll have a fire," he said.

Meanwhile, the county's elderly folk are being hit - Hereford's Dial-a-Ride service only had enough fuel to last until last night and has been cancelling journeys all week.

But postal deliveries have at least been unaffected in Herefordshire with the Royal Mail 'ok for fuel' until next Tuesday.

Anybody moving home this week could see their dream put on hold.

G.B. Liners report that their fuel stocks won't last past the weekend and they are already concerned about one long customer contract to Aberdeen.

"We have some sympathy for the protests because the rise in the cost of fuel has cost us £15,000 off the bottom line this year," said a spokesperson.

"But the various jobs we've got planned for next week are in serious trouble. For people in a chain it will be even worse because moves will be cancelled all over the country."

With some vehicles having run out of fuel, the RSPCA has suspended non-emergency activities.

Some quick-thinking car dealers in the county are making mileage out of the crisis though by offering an incentive to buy a new vehicle - a free tank of petrol with every purchase!

And some garages have been charging £5 per gallon for the precious liquid.