ANGRY farmers in Monmouthshire are demanding DEFRA lift the county's high risk status imposed following the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The status means livestock movement can only be moved out the area for slaughter. But local farmers are demanding DEFRA re-think the classification after receiving written confirmation of its status from the ministry.

A spokeswoman for the National Assembly, local agents for DEFRA, said the high risk status in Mon-mouthshire was imposed in counties where:

There has been a foot-and-mouth case within the last 30 days; Surveillance of surrounding farms falling within a 3km to 10km boundary have not been completed; The foot-and-mouth risk of certain flocks in the area have not been established.

But farmers have blasted the decision, saying apart from a couple of cases near the Brecon border, the county has been foot-and-mouth free for more than two months.

Gwent FUW development officer Neil Smith, (pictured) of Lower House farm, Pantygelli, near Abergavenny, said: "I think DEFRA should follow the example set in Powys where the categorising of areas has been split up.

"In the last few months the only two cases of foot-and-mouth in Monmouthshire have all been in the north and therefore our county should have its risk status classification divided into north and south."

Gwent NFU vice-chairman Rhys Parry, of Gwerninog farm, Llansoy, branded the restrictions "stupid".

He told the Argus: "It's stupid to bring in these restrictions right across Monmouthshire. "It doesn't make sense to punish the whole county as it tries to get back on its feet." Leading fuel protester David Handley, who farms near Raglan, also attacked the high risk status.

"DEFRA have not consulted the grass root farmers whose very livelihoods are affected by the decisions they take - it's bureaucracy gone mad."

Devauden farmer and former Gwent NFU chairman David Maddocks added: "These restrictions make it very difficult for farmers to farm and earn a living.

"The government have got to come up with an alternative way to help us." The Assembly spokeswoman said the classification status was reviewed by DEFRA "constantly".