REDDITCH rural businesses affected by the foot and mouth crisis can get financial advice from an emergency hotline launched by the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The Rural Emergency CAB Project will provide free, independent and confidential advice for farmers, associated suppliers, farmworkers and haulage companies, as well as those involved in tourism, shopkeepers and other small businesses.
And the CAB is negotiating with lenders, such as banks, to make sure debtors affected by the outbreak receive sympathetic treatment.
The organisation is also in discussion with agencies including the National Farmers Union, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Rural Stress Information Network and The Samaritans to minimise the duplication of other services on offer.
The helpline, on 0800 138 1647, is open from 1-8pm Monday to Friday.
There is also an e-mail advice service at
ruralemergencycab@nacab.org.uk which offers an information sheet followed by a personal response.
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