A BUSINESSWOMAN has set up a pioneering new scheme aimed at helping farmers and landowners hit by the foot and mouth crisis.

Alison Roland, Chartered Town Planner, is a one-woman firm dedicated to providing a comprehensive planning consultancy service across rural Lancashire.

The main thrust of the business is helping farmers and landowners, in particular those hit by the foot and mouth disease, diversify their business.

Alison said: "This is a crucial time for farmers who have been hard hit by foot and mouth and the resultant decline of the rural economy.

"A large part of my work involves helping them diversify and find alternative sources of income from their buildings and land."

Brought up in a Peak District village, she worked initially for local authorities in Derbyshire and Lancashire, before 'jumping across the fence' to set up her own business in Colne.

Her work includes submitting planning applications for a variety of uses from anything from barn conversions, horse related development, residential development, to workshops or facilities for caravan and camp sites.

She also undertakes work in more urban areas such as changes of use of commercial premises.

Alison has recently been working for the North West Development Agency on a pilot scheme to advise farmers across Lancashire and Cumbria on diversification.

Anyone who needs advice on submitting a planning application, or an appeal against a refusal of planning consent can contact her on 01282 863409.