TWO communities with huge foot-and-mouth burial sites on their doorsteps marched in protest yesterday, and joined a mounting call for a public inquiry into the four-month crisis.

The Widdrington Protest Group showed its solidarity with campaigners in Tow Law, County Durham, by sending ten members to join a march demanding the closure of a site at Inkerman.

Both groups fear for the long-term safety of the mass graves on their doorsteps - Widdrington because recent heavy rain had brought fears of flooding, and Tow Law because pits containing carcasses have been dug on land said to be riddled with old mining tunnels.

Thanks to a brisk wind, marchers were spared the appalling stench of death which had seeped into every corner of the fog-shrouded hilltop community over the previous few days.

"It was the worst spell since the site opened. It was everywhere," said Tow Law Town Council chairman Jenny Flynn, celebrating being rewarded for services to Tow Law with an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

By a quirk of fate, another honour, the OBE, went to a target of the protestors' anger, Harry Banks, chairman of the mining company which is believed to have been paid £400,000 for the fell site.

As the marchers reached the site gates, Councillor Flynn urged protestors to maintain pressure on the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Peter Lister condemned the process under which the site was developed, saying: "This site is common land. They should have applied to the minister for permission."

Widdrington Protest Group spokesman Jimmy Grant said: "Push for a public inquiry. Tony Blair has said he 'isn't minded' to have one, but it isn't up to Tony Blair, it is up to the people."

Tow Law residents have complained of nausea caused by the stench from the site and fear for the health of future generations.

GP Dr Ellen Ann Finnighan said: "There is stress and a certain amount of anxiety about the smell."

Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.