BUSINESSES in Wyre Forest could miss out on rate relief in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis after the Government judged the area to be not sufficiently rural.

The Government has announced funding for hardship rate relief for businesses with a rateable value of less than £12,000 affected by the epidemic - with neighbouring areas such as Bridgnorth, Malvern Hills and South Shropshire included in the scheme.

But Wyre Forest has been missed off a list of rural areas to benefit, despite experiencing several outbreaks and being designated an exclusion zone.

District council chief executive Walter Delin is pressing the Government to ensure Wyre Forest is designated as a rural authority.

He said: "Unless we are on the list we can't take advantage of the relief that is being offered. It puts businesses and organisations at a disadvantage compared to other areas."

The Government scheme means the amount of hardship rate relief offered is being increased by 20 per cent to 95 per cent for three months for rural areas.

Worcestershire County Council chief executive Rob Sykes, who is also pushing the district's case, said: "Wyre Forest may be classed as urban but these cases are in the countryside."

Businesses can appeal for emergency loans of up to £250,000 under a new Government scheme.

It is designed to help tourist and retail firms whose trade has suffered as a result of the disease.

The scheme will run until December, with the maximum time for repayment being increased from 10 to 11 years.

Affected firms can also call a helpline, set up by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands. The number is 0800 975 5355.