Rural businesses must act quickly if they are to have any reduction in their rates bills backdated to the start of the foot-and-mouth crisis, according to property consultants Chesterton.

The Valuation Office Agency, which assesses rateable values says it will look favourably on proposals to reduce the rating assessment of businesses affected by the outbreak.

Hotels, pubs and rural shops have seen takings fall by as much as 80 per cent as movement within the countryside became restricted.

Many tourist attractions and farm shops have been forced to close completely and it is unlikely any possible compensation to farmers as a result of the crisis will be extended to the operators of tourist attractions.

The future looks bleak if the situation continues to affect the summer holiday trade, said Mr Andrew Lockart, of Chesterton's Oxford office.

The Valuation Office Agency said it will accept as valid all proposals to reduce or delete rating assessments as a result of foot-and-mouth, provided they comply with all other statutory requirements.

This does not, however, guarantee that a reduction in assessment will be given. Ratepayers should consult professional advisors to ensure proposal forms are correctly completed and that the best possible case is put forward to justify a reduction.

The deadline for submission of rating appeals under the 2000 Rating List has been extended from March 31 to June in order to allow business to make appeals backdated to February 21.