AS I write this, we've just had another confirmed case of foot-and-mouth about one mile up the road.

The impact this terrible disease is having on us here in Bromsgrove is something you wouldn't want to experience - even in your worse nightmare.

When we started putting down barriers and foot dips it seemed bizarre. I remember my wife coming out and asking what I was doing.

Now, it's just part of everyday life to keep the barrier disinfected and use the foot baths. We do this instinctively now.

The year had started so well with our rehoming figures up on last year and I was hopeful of a good 12 months. Now we have animals, desperate for homes, facing the prospect of maybe six months in the centre and a further wait for the public to have the confidence to come and visit us again. From having dozens of phone calls per hour to maybe eight per day is something hard to cope with.

I've been with the Blue Cross for 27 years and I can honestly say this is the most depressing and worrying time I've experienced. I would love to think that, when you're reading this, things will be back to some sense of normally. Somehow, I doubt it.

NEIL EDWARDS,

Bromsgrove Blue Cross Animal Adoption Centre.