ORGANISERS of the Sunday market at Catterick racecourse have defended the decision to keep the event open in spite of a foot-and-mouth outbreak just over a mile away.

More than 240 businesses would be at risk if the market closed and precautions over and above those required were taken.

Racecourse management was accused of double standards by cancelling horse racing but allowing the outdoor market to go ahead.

In a letter to the D&S Times, Mr J Donaldson, of Brompton-on-Swale, said cattle were slaughtered within a mile of the racecourse and it was irresponsible to carry on regardless.

The slaughter followed confirmation of the virus at Home Farm, Catterick, at the weekend.

Mr Donaldson also claimed disinfectant mats at the Easter Monday market car park were dry - a claim refuted by Mr Greville Worthington, outdoor retail curator.

"We had four extra staff on hand just to deal with the foot-and-mouth situation and the mats were kept topped up," said Mr Worthington. "Under the regulations, I am not obliged to put out any mats at all. The fact we are doing that is purely a response to the farming crisis.

"We did shut for three weeks in response to the immediate crisis before we had definite guidelines, which we have followed. The market doesn't involve animals and stock has not grazed on the racecourse for months."