When foot-and-mouth hit the Moorlands

A STAFFORDSHIRE market town was left deserted on what should have been its busiest day of the week 20 years ago.

Fears over the spread of foot and mouth disease kept visitors to Leek away from its Wednesday market in February, 2001.

Forecasts of heavy snow hindered business further. Many stalls were left empty and traders who struggled in were planning on packing up early.

Mark Booth, who ran the greeting card stall, travelled in from Derbyshire.

He said: “I have done other markets over in Derbyshire this week and people were keeping away.

“It was probably a combination of the weather and the foot-and-mouth scare.

“In market towns like Leek a lot of our trade comes from farmers who come down from the hills for the day. But so far I haven’t seen many people at all.”

Lindon Henry, who ran the Knic Knac underwear stall, said: “Stone Market was very quiet yesterday, mainly through the weather, but some will stay away because of the foot and mouth crisis.

“In places like Stone and Leek a lot of our trade is based around the farming community and we will notice the difference over the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Linda Malyon, chairman of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, issued her own warning to visitors.

She said: “Over the last few years the farming community has had a very tough time and is still fighting to survive. When foot and mouth disease hit farmers last time, some managed to fight back, some did not.

“I am asking everyone to think twice before they come into the countryside for leisure or for any reason that may take them to a farm or farm land.

“It is now even more important that we respect the countryside and help protect our farming community. “Hopefully, if we can do this, then we can limit the chance of foot and mouth disease coming into the Staffordshire Moorlands.”

Roy Sant of Dunwood Lodge Farm, Endon, also urged people to take every precaution possible to stop foot and mouth disease breaking out in the area.

The dairy and beef farmer said: “People should take every precaution, disinfect as much as possible, avoid travelling from farm to farm.

“I have asked the postman not to deliver to the house but to collect at the gate.

“I would urge ramblers to stay away because, if foot and mouth comes to Staffordshire, which we all hope it does not, it can be spread by almost anything.”

Biddulph Valley Way was one of 11 country parks and green walks closed across the county.

Foot and Mouth Disease hits the Moorlands. This picture, auctioneer Graham Watkins at an empty Leek Cattle Market. Inset right, top, Biddulph Valley Way was closed due to the outbreak. Bottom, Roy Sant of Lodge Farm in Endon disinfects his footwear at the entrance to his farm.

School debate at Moorside High, Werrington. From left are Jenny Bell, Kerry Riley, Amanda Mchenry and Robert Lowndes.