The region's livestock industry and farmers need a clear idea as to when more foot and mouth restrictions can be lifted, it was claimed.

Angus Collingwood-Cameron, North-East director of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), was speaking before the re-opening of livestock markets on Thursday.

He said that if it was safe to bring animals and farmers together at live auction marts, then it should be possible to state when restrictions could be lifted on collecting and dropping off livestock at more than one holding.

He said: "Some degree of certainty would greatly ease the stress on livestock producers, and this further step would help the smaller ones in particular by reducing transport costs.

"Although Thursday's markets are welcome, the benefits on reduced transport costs would benefit an entire industry already facing financial meltdown."

Mr Collingwood-Cameron said some feared the haulage sector might be unable to cope with the sudden demand and asked for a temporary derogation on drivers' hours.

He said: "There are so many animals trapped on farms, and so many farmers desperate to sell, that I fear Thursday will simply flood sales where there will be far too few buyers."

The Government yesterday announced that Kent, Essex and East Sussex had been moved from the high risk to the lower risk category for foot and mouth.