CATTLE have been slaughtered at a farm in Glazebury, following the second outbreak of foot and mouth in the area.

Stricter restrictions have been introduced after cattle at Dukinfield Farm were found to have been infected with the disease, and events in the area have had to be cancelled.

The 380 cattle at the farm in Hurst Lane were shot by a government-appointed vet after farmer Owen Philbin, who was too distressed to speak to the Journal, suspected his herd had been infected and blood tests confirmed the bad news.

Wigan Council has introduced a further three kilometre restriction zone surrounding Dukinfield Farm, to prevent the disease spreading.

No other outbreaks have been reported, but strict restrictions regarding the movement of livestock have been imposed on 12 neighbouring farms.

A government spokesman said: "Work is continuing on tracing all movement to and from the farm, in the hope of finding a source."

Investigations are still continuing into the cause of the original outbreak at Chadwicks Farm in Abram.

Devastated farmer John Roberts lost 46 bullocks and 20 cattle had to culled at a neighbouring farm following the outbreak almost three weeks ago.

Walkers in both the Glazebury and Abram exclusion zones are asked to continue to observe restriction notices.

Council officers will be carrying out spot checks to ensure these restrictions are being observed and anyone found breaching them will be subject to a fine of up to £5,000.

Bob Saunders, director of environmental health said: "The government predicted that there would be a long tail to the foot and mouth outbreak and this certainly appears to be the case. We will continue to do whatever we can to help local farmers fight the disease and we hope that members of the public will do the same."

The outbreak has led to the cancellation of the Jeep National Riding Festival, in Astley.

The event, which is presided over by HRH The Princess Royal, was due to take place at Mossbrook Stud Arena in Astley on Saturday August 18.

Chairman of the festival, Jane Holderness-Roddam, said: "The latest outbreak in Glazebury is well within the protection radius and it would be completely irresponsible for us to continue with our plans."

And an event due to be held in Abram has been cancelled due to foot and mouth restrictions.

Anglers and other visitors have been requested to stay away from the popular pond dip, which should have been held on Saturday, August 11, at Kingsdown Flash.

The area, known locally as Polly's Pond, lies within the three kilometre exclusion zone around the radius of Chadwicks Farm in Abram.

Councillor Eunice Smethurst said: "As the pond lies within the 'infected zone' we have no choice but to cancel this event. The livelihood of our farming community depends on our co-operation and it is essential that anglers, walkers and others observe the restriction notices which have been posted in the area."

Council officers will be carrying out spot checks to ensure restrictions are observed and anyone found breaching the restrictions will be liable to a fine of up to £5,000.