Farron calls for immediate bird-flu review for free range chickens

Today local MP Tim Farron has written to the Environment Secretary calling for an immediate review into the emergency housing of free range chickens in South Lakeland.

Earlier this year DEFRA ordered farmers in certain parts of England to keep free range birds housed indoors or in specially-built fully-fenced and netted areas in response to an outbreak of avian flu.

Several areas in South Lakeland are among those at higher risk.

Consequently, several local producers are being forced to keep their birds indoors and sticker boxes to inform consumers that hens have been temporarily housed to protect their welfare.

Commenting Tim said: "Although I absolutely recognise the need for caution, I think it is essential that the authorities keep this free-range ban under constant review.

"For the sake of both producers and consumers I hope that this is a short-term measure. It places extra burdens on hard-working farmers and concerns consumers who want their eggs to be genuinely free-range.

"I am urging the Government to drop this ban as soon as the evidence shows that it is safe".