WHILE I agree with the idea in your front page story that we are fighting a war against foot and mouth disease, I would urge you to pay tribute to the villagers of Throckmorton, Bishampton and Naunton Beauchamp for their response to the burial of carcasses on Throckmorton Airfield.

My colleague, County Councillor Liz Tucker, herself a Throckmorton resident, has had talks with parish councillors and other residents. She joined a group who on Friday visited the site and received a full explanation of what was happening. I have also spoken to villagers, and to residents of nearby Lower Moor who have spent a lifetime locally working with sheep and cattle.

Everyone we have met has recognised that we have to help farmers to win this war. Prior consultation is not always possible, but the MOD and MAFF have tried to give full information to local people as soon as they could. Worries about ground water contamination have been allayed by the knowledge that the site contains the blue clay that we Vale residents know so well.

These villagers are no NIMBY's (not in my back yard). It is the job of politicians and the press to put the facts before people, and to pass on information about what is happening. When we do, we get the sort of reaction we have had in these affected villages. I am sure the Journal will continue to play its part. This is not a moment for party politics: whoever plays that sort of game will regret it on polling day, whenever it comes.

ROBERT BROWNE, Liberal Democrat PPC, Mid Worcestershire.