THE Environment Agency is to visit farms in the Bolton-by-Bowland and Gisburn areas to give pollution prevention advice in the wake of the foot and mouth crisis.

Farms whose land drains into Skirden Beck and its tributaries will be visited as part of the Agency's farm survey programme, which is likely to last until the end of the year.

Visits will combine a tour of the farm with a pollution prevention inspection, designed to highlight steps that can be taken to protect both farmers and the environment from potential future problems.

Phil Williams, the Environment Agency's environment protection officer for the area, said: "The Environment Agency is aware of the impact of foot and mouth and what a difficult time this has been for farmers locally.

"These visits are excellent opportunities for farmers to improve their site management systems, where necessary, and to benefit from a two-way dialogue and free advice.

"At many farms affected by the disease we can help prepare their premises for a time when stock is allowed back, and we can put farmers in touch with other potential sources of help."

As a result of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, the Environment Agency will take strict precautions when visiting premises.

Suits and disinfectant sprays are routinely carried by Agency officers working in the area, and affected and non-affected farms will be visited with long time delays to comply with DEFRA -Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - guidelines to prevent cross-contamination.

The Agency will attempt to contact farmers before visiting the farms, but if this is not possible full measures to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease will be taken before entering farm land.

In all cases the first point of contact will be with the farmhouse.