COUNCIL officials have issued a plea to the Government for financial aid to help communities devastated by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

North Yorkshire County Council fears it may miss out on the £15m Westminster has promised to help rural businesses struggling to make ends meet since the outbreak began in March.

Devon, Cumbria, County Durham and parts of the Welsh Borders have been short-listed to receive the cash - leaving council members worried that North Yorkshire will be left to fend for itself.

A letter has been sent from County Hall, in Northallerton, urging the Government to reconsider, pointing out North Yorkshire has 17 confirmed cases of foot-and-mouth and dozens more farms crippled by precautionary culls.

Deputy leader Councillor Tim Cole said last night: "Many of these businesses have supported the Government and local authorities in trying to combat the disease, and they now deserve to be helped in every way possible."

Meanwhile, Richmondshire District Council's foot-and-mouth working group also met last night, and underlined North Yorkshire's case for aid.

A survey of businesses in the area indicated that more than 80 people have been laid off since the outbreak began, while two firms had closed.

The authority has agreed to consider waiving the ten per cent commission it takes from bookings in the accommodation industry. It will also press the county council for free school meals for children living in areas hit by the disease.

But with calculations suggesting foot-and-mouth has cost businesses £8.5m in Richmondshire alone, some see Westminster as their only hope.

Chairwoman Yvonne Peacock said: "If there is a package on offer then we should be in on it - £8.5m is a lot to lose in two months."

The Whitby and District Chamber of Trade has also issued an open letter, urging tourists not to give up on the seaside resort and the neighbouring North York Moors as the foot-and-mouth virus continues to have a detrimental effect on the tourist trade.