A POLICE investigation has been launched into allegations of fraudulent claims for compensation in relation to the foot and mouth crisis.

Enquiries are also continuing into the illegal movement of livestock within the West Mercia force area.

Worcestershire Trading Standards and MAFF reported the allegations to the police on April 5.

Herefordshire NFU chairman Elwyn Maddy welcomed the investigation but said he wasn't aware of any cases in this county.

"I think this is something that if it's happening, let's prove it or disprove it. What we don't want is the whole of the industry tarnished by one or two unscrupulous people.

"There's rogues in every walk of life and I'm not foolish enough to think we're exempt from that.

"But let's sort this out and get on with the task at hand - ridding ourselves of this disease."

As the foot and mouth crisis moves into its seventh week, a further tencases have been confirmed in Herefordshire since last Thursday, bringing the total to 38.

The latest farms affected are: Home Farm, Pencraig near Ross; New Forest, Craswall; Merri Folde, Orcop; Yew Tree, Garway Common; Black House, Much Dewchurch; Old Hall, Orcop; Little Froome, Avenbury, near Bromyard; Green Hill, Woolhope; Little Castlefields, White Rocks, Garway Hill; Town Farm, Craswall; White Haywood, Craswall.

Appeal launch

In an attempt to relieve the plight of farmers, the Three Counties Agricultural Society (TCAS) has this week launched a major fund-raising initiative.

The 'Stress in the Countryside Appeal' is being set up in association with Newsquest newspapers (owners of The Hereford Times) and will be followed by an intensive campaign of fund-raising events, culminating at the re-scheduled Three Counties Show in August. l See Page 48.

Meanwhile, businesses throughout the county were hoping that locals and visitors would be out and about during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Tourism marketing officer, Kate Tudge, said: "The message is that Herefordshire is open for business. Visitors and residents can still enjoy our beautiful countryside, visit attractions, market towns and the delightful black and white villages." l See Page 41

Looking ahead to the future, the Herefordshire Spring Tourism Forum, at the Chase Hotel, Ross-on-Wye, on April 26, will be devoted to preparing a strategy and action plan for restoring confidence in the industry and customers after the crisis.