RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has praised a Government blueprint for rural recovery which calls for more short-term help for farming and tourism.
Speaking to members of Goosnargh Farmers Club, Mr Evans, Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, said: "I am delighted with the announcement made by Lord Haskins regarding his plans for rural recovery.
"He has called for more short-term help for farming and tourism, but is urging farmers to do more to help themselves in the longer run.
"But with the average wage for farmers falling as low as £2,000 per year, which is well below the minimum wage, much more needs to be done to help our farming communities.
He added: "Many farmers throughout my constituency have been badly affected by the foot and mouth outbreak.
"The last confirmed case in the country was on September 30, and although I have concerns over a possible further outbreak, urgent assistance is needed for our farming communities.
"Many people have been left devastated by this outbreak since its emergence in February and there has been a huge knock-on effect to other industries, especially tourism."
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