THE foot-and-mouth epidemic is far from over.

Its effect on agriculture and the broader base of rural life lingers on.

The true impact in the worst affected areas, such as the West Country and Cumbria, is greater than anything over the past 80 years.

If there is to be anything good to come out of this crisis it's that, for the first time in recent history, the importance of rural communities has been exposed to the wider public.

We've begun to see how individuals need each other in these areas, and how their lives are inter-dependent and inextricably linked.

Agriculture is as much about stewardship of the countryside and rural communities as it is about simply running an open-air factory.

Perhaps, in the light of all this, politicians might realise that their responsibilities now lie with rebuilding these areas, offering assistance, support and guidance.

They will, undoubtedly, command respect and trust if they do.

For a start, they should withdraw gracefully from attempting to promote the Hunting with Dogs Bill, a Bill that's largely viewed with contempt by rural communities.

It's likely only to add insult to injury.

What the countryside needs now is something that will help them.

Then, and only then, will trust return to a section of Britain which it is our duty to protect.

J WOOD,

Worcester