A taskforce has been set up in Worcestershire to examine how effective plans have been to help areas hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The team will look at economic growth in rural areas as well as the progress made since the county council launched a rural action plan in June 2004. The rural regeneration task force forms part of the county council's next scrutiny exercise.

It will also look at the county council's role in rural regeneration, how it works with district councils, other local partners and regional agencies and how Worcestershire's approach to rural regeneration compares with other authorities.

It wants to ensure all avenues for creating new business opportunities are well supported. And, with pressures on the farming community, it will explore if modern technology and alternative use of farm land and buildings is well known and encouraged.

The group aims to report its findings and recommendations to the county council's cabinet in the summer.

Councillor John Cairns (Con Worcester St Peter), scrutiny task group leader, said: "Worcestershire was seriously affected by the out-break of foot-and-mouth, and while only a small number of farm businesses were affected, a negative impact was felt by a large number of other businesses.

"As well as looking at what's happening, we're also keen to see what kind of action can be taken to aid the process."

* Residents can e-mail scrutiny@worcestershire.gov.-uk, or call 01905 766627.