LEADERS of a North Yorkshire district council are backing pressure for a public inquiry into the foot and mouth epidemic.

The move by Hambleton District Council comes after North Yorkshire was downgraded from being at high risk from the disease to simply being "at risk".

It also follows a decision by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to consult other northern park authorities and councils on whether there is a joint will to push for an inquiry.

Hambleton council leader June Imeson said: "This disease has devastated the rural economy in the UK. Hambleton has been particularly badly affected. Whilst farmers have been badly hit, other sectors of the economy are affected, with our once-thriving tourist industry now struggling.

"It is vital that the Government established exactly why this outbreak occurred and ensures measures are in place to prevent it happening again."

- The Prince of Wales is due to visit Knayton near Thirsk on December 17, to meet members of local communities hit by the effects of the disease.

- Farmers in North Yorkshire have been paid £123.5m in foot and mouth compensation by the Government. The highest payment to a single farmer was £2.19m, according to figures released in a written Parliamentary answer. The smallest payment was for just £23. The average payout to the 1,053 farmers who lodged a claim was around £117,000. The cash was paid to compensate farmers whose animals were slaughtered during the outbreak, and for the loss of hay and other materials.

Updated: 09:22 Thursday, December 06, 2001