RURAL issues were top of the agenda when Tory agriculture spokesman Tim Yeo came to town. Tim Yeo (right) and Conservative candidate Mark Simpson are pictured talking to district farmers.

Shadow agricultural minister Mr Yeo met Wyre Forest farmers to discuss the foot and mouth crisis and the Government's threat to rural post offices.

Wyre Forest Conser-vative candidate Mark Simpson, who arranged the meeting, said: "More than a dozen farmers and NFU representatives quizzed Mr Yeo on Conservative policy and current issues.

"Particular matters of concern included the ongoing foot and mouth situation, compensation, business costs and rural services such as transport.

"The Conservatives have announced a Programme for Recovery for rural areas in the aftermath of foot and mouth which includes measures such as speeding up compensation payments and making available zero interest loans."

He added: "Tim Yeo's visit demonstrates we take such issues seriously and rural matters are at the top of our agenda, even if Labour don't care about the countryside."

Mr Simpson arranged the visit after Mr Yeo's deputy Malcolm Moss came to the constituency last month - the first agriculture spokesman from the major parties to visit Wyre Forest since the outbreak.

Mr Simpson said: "Following the foot and mouth outbreak I was keen to get a senior spokesman to meet local farmers and Malcolm Moss did so.

"As a result of the discussion he had and the points raised by farmers, Tim Yeo made a particular request to visit the area."