VILLAGERS in community affected by foot-and-mouth were urged last night not to panic as the burning of cattle continued.

Residents of Heighington, near Darlington, have expressed fears about smoke from two pyres near the village.

A total of 190 cattle are being disposed of at a site on the A68 above the Dog Inn, together with a further 100 at Newbiggin Farm, near Redworth.

The burning is expected to continue today.

Residents have been warned to keep windows closed, depending on the direction of the wind, and be extra cautious about youngsters with asthma.

Local councillor Gerald Lee has written to parents at the local school to pass on advice issued by Maff and Darlington Borough Council.

Coun Lee said he has received assurances that the burning at both sites will not be repeated.

He said: "The phone has not stopped and people have been concerned about whether infected cattle are being brought into a clean area and how many there will be.

"One family has also moved out of the village because of the smoke and pollution."

Meanwhile, protestors in Northumberland stopped lorries carrying animal carcasses to a burial site set up to deal with the crisis after fluid leaked onto a road.

Eight lorries were prevented from entering the site at Widdrington, before protestors eventually allowed them through.

A meeting between the protestors and Maff officials was being arranged to take place tonight, and all lorry movements onto the Widdrington site have been suspended in the meantime.

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