Keetch Asks Local Banks For Compassion

12.00.00am GMT Mon 19th Mar 2001

Hereford's Liberal Democrat MP, Paul Keetch, has written to local Bank Managers in Herefordshire asking them to show compassion during the current Foot and Mouth crisis. He says that local farmers, hauliers, tourist attractions and hotels may need additional support. Rural shops and pubs have also been affected.

Mr Keetch said "We all know that this is a very difficult time for many farmers, but there are many other businesses that are suffering as a result of the Foot and Mouth crisis and I hope Bank Managers will be patient".

Mr Keetch further said "I know that Government nationally have been in contact with the Banks, but it is at the local level that many important decisions concerning the future of these customers will be made. I know many of Herefordshire Bank Managers - I, myself, worked in high street banking for five years locally. I hope that at this time they will show tolerance, compassion and understanding to their customers affected by the crisis".

Mr Keetch also says he hopes other MPs in areas affected by Foot and Mouth will follow his example.