REDDITCH businesses affected by the foot and mouth crisis are being denied reduced rate bills because they are not considered rural enough, it has been claimed.

The Government has agreed certain councils will be refunded 80 per cent of the cost of special rate relief schemes to help businesses survive in areas affected by the disease, but Redditch is not included in the list.

The news has sparked outrage since two cases of foot and mouth disease were confirmed in Astwood Bank.

And it has been revealed this week that more than 1,000 animals in and around Redditch will be slaughtered as part of a mass cull to stop the disease spreading.

Redditch Councillor Antonia Pulsford said: "I am appalled to discover Redditch has not been included in the list of councils.

"This is in spite of the fact we have already had two cases of foot and mouth in Redditch rural areas which have necessitated the total cull of the animals on the affected farms.

"But according to the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, Redditch is not a rural district and doesn't qualify.

"Rural areas everywhere, even if part of mainly urban districts, need help."

Rockford Consulting, in Oakenshaw South, works with tourist attractions and retailers, helping them increase visitor numbers and further develop their businesses.

The majority of its clients are rural-based seasonal businesses such as farm parks and historic houses.

Principal consultant Rosemary Clarke said: "I am not totally surprised at the Government's decision not to give Redditch businesses a reduction in rent and rates since it may be considered an urban area.

"But there are Redditch businesses which will also be feeling the pinch as their operations are postponed as a knock-on effect, such as catering suppliers who deliver goods to visitor attractions which may not open because of the foot and mouth crisis."

Redditch's prospective Parliamentary candidate Karen Lumley said: "To be told by the DETR that this constituency does not meet its criteria of 'rurality' is disgraceful.

"Tell that to all the small businesses in the area which have been severely hit by this awful outbreak."

A Redditch Council spokesman said: "We understand the rate relief scheme is targeted to rural authorities and as a town-based borough we have not been eligible."