AN INQUIRY into the foot and mouth epidemic visited Lancaster last week to hear evidence from local farmers and other group affected by last year's outbreak.

The 'lessons learned' inquiry, chaired by Dr Anderson, heard criticism of delays in declaring the county foot and mouth free, and from individual farmers.

NFU policy adviser, Rodney Bacon, said afterwards: "It was highlighted to Dr Anderson the severe problems that farmers faced under the movement restrictions.

"We also stressed to Dr Anderson the severe manner in which animal movement rules had impacted on the county and the virtual state of gridlock which pertained in the rural economy for several months."