THE Bishop of Blackburn is leading calls for a comprehensive Government inquiry into the foot and mouth crisis.

The Rt Rev Alan Chesters prompted the General Synod, the Church of England's "parliament," to vote for a public inquiry into the outbreak which has devastated large areas of rural Britain including the Ribble Valley.

The Bishop, a member of the Government's rural task force, spoke about his experience as a diocesan bishop in an area where some of the first outbreaks occurred, and whose home looks out towards the so-called Settle-Clitheroe triangle where most of the latest cases have been confirmed.

"I am acutely aware of the human cost to families and individuals, of the isolation, fear and total disillusionment felt by so many people," he said.

"I am personally aware of the concern of ministers to provide help, but procedures have been too slow, the red tape seemingly excessive.

"I believe the Government must set up some inquiry into the cause of the recent Foot and Mouth outbreak and why it took so long to contain it and all the related issues."