RED tape delays by the Government are hampering efforts to re-open auction marts after the effects of the foot-and-mouth outbreak, it was claimed yesterday.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has declared that markets can start re-opening from next Monday.

However, the application forms for a licence to hold the markets were only posted on the Defra website yesterday.

According to some market bosses it means even if they get the licence through they will not have time to advertise in time for next Monday.

Derek Tyson, auctioneer with Northallerton Auctions, in North Yorkshire, said the bureaucratic delay meant they would not be opening until the week of Monday, February 18.

"Given the time scale, we can't jump through all the hoops in time to advertise the markets for the week of February 11," he said.

"It is typical of Defra, but it is good news to be back in business."

The 12-month closure of the markets since the foot-and-mouth crisis has been devastating, both for business, and in terms of emotional support for farmers.

Hundreds of employees were forced to find other work when the disease showed no signs of loosening its grip. But the legacy of the virus will still be evident by the strict bio-security measures which will be in place at the marts.

It includes farmers changing into clean clothing when they set off for the mart after loading their stock, and disinfecting their wagons before loading. Only slaughter markets will be allowed to take sheep and pigs.

Many auctioneers say it will create extra costs for the market system, which they can ill afford.

John Earle, of Darlington Farmers' Auction, said they had no firm date for re-opening, but hoped it would be in the near future.

He said: "There is going to be more bio-security and much more paper work to be completed by all concerned. We welcome the fact that things are going to be safer, but we hope that the regulations will be workable."

A spokeswoman for Defra said some marts had already arranged for inspections so their licences could be processed quicker. She said they expected many auctions to re-open at the start of next week.