FURIOUS Tory MP Julie Kirkbride is asking for reassurance about the temporary reopening of a Tutnall-based abattoir and the risk of spreading foot and mouth it could pose.

Miss Kirkbride, who represents Bro-sgrove, contacted the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) last month for clarification about the type of animals which would be slaughtered at the former Duggins Abattoir, in Tutnall Lane.

Ministry officials have announced their intention to reopen the premises to slaughter animals which have to be culled on welfare grounds and would not be infected with the virus.

After receiving calls from angry farmers who feel such guarantees cannot be made, Miss Kirkbride contacted the ministry for written assurances but so far has heard nothing.

The MP said farmers with rare breeds in the countryside and herds grazing close to the abattoir are particularly worried about the highly infectious disease.

She added: "This is a national crisis and an individual tragedy for every farmer."

A MAFF spokesman said: "No infected animals will be moved -- it is animals whose welfare is at risk and it is better for them to be culled."