By JANE FIELD

EYE-WITNESS accounts of open-top lorries carrying animal carcasses to the Widnes incinerator one allegedly leaking blood has triggered a public appeal for information.

As reported in the Guardian, MAFF assured the public that there is no danger of the foot-and-mouth disease spreading through the transportation because they are thoroughly disinfected and sealed.

But during the last two weeks Cheshire County Council has received dozens of disturbing reports from shocked drivers who say they have spotted open-topped wagons some without covering - heading to the Granox rendering factory. In one case, on the M56, an informant was even able to identify the breeds of dead cattle as Friesians and Herefords. And in another it was claimed that a vehicle had followed a lorry and witnessed blood leaking over a distance of ten miles.

The town's farmers are living in fear of both the location of the plant and the wind blowing the air-borne epidemic across and the trucks travelling through the town including Birchwood, Croft and Winwick.

Cheshire county councillor and dairy farmer David Rowlands received several calls from shocked drivers over the weekend.

While these are only allegations, he says, such reports have persisted over some weeks and can only increase concerns.

"The only way we can discover the truth is by asking members of the public to provide us with all the details they can so that reports can be investigated," he said.

Trading Standards officers need registration numbers, a general description of the vehicle, times and locations.

Anyone with safety concerns about vehicles seen transporting carcasses should contact Trading Standards Foot and Mouth help lines on 01244 603714.