LIVESTOCK farmers throughout Worcestershire are being urged to add their weight to the National Farmers Union's bid to gain Government help for the industry in the wake of the foot and mouth and bluetongue outbreaks.

Local farmers are being asked to tell their stories of hardship as a result of livestock market closures and animal movement restrictions.

The county's representative on the NFU West midlands livestock board Paul Hinwood said sheep farmers were particularly badly hit because this is the time of the year when they buy and sell lambs.

"Some farmers are desperate because they need to buy breeding stock. It is a very difficult time. The news that the markets will be opening up next week is very good," he said.

But he added that this would only allow stock to be taken to market and sold for slaughter - it does not allow farmers to buy stock to take it back to the farm for breeding or finishing.

The NFU West Midlands livestock board is asking the Government to consider a number of measures that could be brought in to help British livestock farmers.

They include a payment to the farmer each time an animal is slaughtered and the reopening of markets at home and abroad.

"These proposals are being put to the Government to try and help the dire conditions that sheep farmers especially are caught up in. If farmers can contact us with their individual cases of hardship, it adds weight to our very valid argument," said Mr Hinwood.

The NFU West Midlands can be contacted on 01952 409235.