FARMERS' union leaders are warning that scores of people in East Lancashire could be forced out of business unless the Government takes action on cheap beef imports.

The East Lancashire branch of the National Farmers Union has warned that 10 per cent of their members are facing extinction unless import restrictions are introduced.

Wilf Rhodes, chairman of the local branch of the NFU, claims many of his members have seen incomes plummet in recent months.

The NFU is putting the blame for the crisis on the strength of the pound and a flood of cheap imports form the Continent.

Mr Rhodes, who owns Whitecroft Farm in Oswaldtwistle, said: "We are facing terrible problems.

"Calves are now worth half what they were 12 months ago and the situation is not getting any better.

"Around 10 per cent of farmers in East Lancashire will not survive if the Government continues to do nothing."

The call for action follows mass demonstrations at ports in Lancashire and North Wales.

The NFU is mounting a national campaign and collecting signatures for a petition to present to the Government.

The union claims farmers in hill areas like East Lancashire have been hit the hardest in recent months and some have seen takings fall by up to 47 per cent.

They also claim the farming industry is being forced to pay the price for the BSE crisis.

Mr Rhodes added: "We need some action now before it is too late for many of our members. We cannot afford to carry on the way things have been going for much longer."

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