Devon hoteliers are forced to cancel Easter

The plight of Adam and Carrie Southwell, owners of the Prince Hall hotel, illustrates the impact the foot-and-mouth crisis is having on the rural catering industry.

The country house hotel in Yelverton, Devon, has been closed for two weeks.

Unlike the farmers, hoteliers such as the Southwells cannot expect any compensation from the Government.

They face an uncertain future.

Adam Southwell said: "Realistically, we have cancelled Easter and, in the worst-case scenario, it could be another eight weeks before we can reopen."

He is hoping the Government's pledge to speed up the slaughter and disposal of herds will bring the end of the crisis closer.

But the strict procedures that must be followed to ensure the disease is eradicated from farmland could mean the loss of the entire spring season.

The Prince Hall, which has eight bedrooms and a 24-seat restaurant, employs 10 staff. Salaries are being paid up to the end of March but, with little prospect of any revenue until May, wages cannot be guaranteed from April.

The Southwells are virtually prisoners on their five-acre plot. They are not allowed to visit the neighbouring farm, even though they share a drive. Last week the neighbour's herd of 150 beef cattle and flock of 1,000 sheep were slaughtered and burned as a precaution.

The Southwells are allowed to leave their property only after following a one-hour ritual of showering, changing into protective clothing and disinfecting.

"We only leave in our white suits," quipped Southwell.

By Steve Hobson

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 22-28 March 2001