A FARMER has been forced to install an expensive traffic lights system on a busy trans-Pennine road because of what he describes as "ministry madness".

Dennis Craig has had to foot the £820 bill for the lights so he can get his 30-strong pedigree shorthorn herd to fresh pastures during the next six weeks.

And that means the cows crossing the A689 road at Westgate, in Weardale, County Durham, four times a day for milking.

The lights became necessary because Mr Craig has to disinfect the road, on the advice of the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), every time they make the 20-yard journey, holding up traffic.

Mr Craig, who has followed every instruction issued by Defra during the foot-and-mouth crisis, said: "This has got to be the final straw. It's absolute madness.

"The people at the ministry seem to be sadly lacking when it comes to understanding the practical side of farming during this crisis."

He added: "Officials have pestered us silly. They are so mixed up, they don't know where they are or what they are doing."

Prior to the foot and mouth crisis Mr Craig and his family have always moved their cows across the road by using hand signals to warn motorists. But having to disinfect the road, he feels, poses a major traffic hazard and that is why he has installed the lights.

Mr Craig's farm dates back to 1505 and is one of the oldest in Weardale. One of his pedigree shorthorns was reserve champion at the Royal Highland Show.

A spokesman for Defra said: "We have certainly advised farmers like Mr Craig to disinfect roads when they are moving cattle. To instal traffic lights, however, is his choice - that is something we would not get involved in."

Mr Craig and neighbouring farmers have been further incensed by a decision by Durham County Council to open up paths to walkers running through eight farms along the route of the old Westgate to Rookhope railway line "This is like adding insult to injury," he said.