CANON Frome residents are backing a call by Ledbury Town Council for a county-wide referendum on genetically-modified crops.

Besides writing to Herefordshire Council for a referendum, a meeting of parishioners also agreed that GM crops should not be grown in the parish for five years.

The latter motion was proposed by Jane Straker, who owns an organic food shop in Ludlow, and was adopted without objection.

The well-attended meeting at Canon Frome Court was addressed by David Straker, a local organic farmer, whose livelihood could be threatened if GM crops were grown locally.

The meeting heard that GM crops were poorly understood and that local residents were concerned about the environmental consequences.

Residents were also worried that genetic pollution would affect the safety of food grown for their own consumption. They were also concerned that GM crops may not be safe for human consumption generally.

Brigid Bowerman, who represented the electors and called the meeting, also spoke.

The meeting was chaired by George Troughton, chairman of the local group of parish councils.

Also attending were representatives from Bodenham, who are considering holding a parish referendum.