BOOKWORMS have been hit by the foot and mouth epidemic with a severe reduction in the mobile library programme.

The Stourport Mobile Library, which covers Wyre Forest and some surrounding areas, has had to cut short routes and abandon others because of restrictions on access.

The cuts have particularly affected elderly people's homes, schools and community sites near infected farms in rural areas including Wolverley, Blakeshall, Trimpley, Upper Arley, Bliss Gate and Far Forest.

Stourport librarian Jenny Lythall said: "For fear of spreading the disease, we cannot use countryside tracks near infected sites which require one vehicle to mount the grass if there are two coming in different directions.

"Other venues are simply out of bounds because of how isolated they are."

Further details can be obtained from the library on 01299 822866.