The biggest agriculture show in the Bradford district has fallen victim to the foot and mouth crisis, it was revealed today.

Members of the Airedale Agricultural Society have cancelled Bingley Show in August because of the impact of the disease and restrictions on transporting livestock.

It is the first time since The Second World War that the show - one of the biggest events of its kind in the country - will not be held. Last month, Otley Show, due to be held on May 19, was also cancelled because of foot and mouth leaving its organisers Wharfedale Agricultural Society facing a £20,000 bill.

Donald Jaggar, vice-chairman of the Airedale Agricultural Society and Bingley Show's health and safety officer, said the decision to cancel had been taken on advice of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) and the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations.

He said: "It's definitely off and we've decided to put everything on hold for 12 months. It's just a non-starter - MAFF said there would still be restrictions in August and even if they were able to come then, the farmers we've spoken to have said in the circumstances they wouldn't feel right about bringing their animals anyway.

"Although it has changed over the years from a purely agricultural show the cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses are still central to it and primarily it's still an agricultural show.

"We could still have had an event, but without the animals it wouldn't be the same and we just wouldn't get the people through the door with half a show.

"We're all obviously very disappointed because it's always an extremely popular event but it's just something that we've got to accept and which was agreed on unanimously.''

He added: "Cancelling now doesn't leave us as financially committed as it would if we'd left the decision any longer when there would have been more contractual agreements to honour.

"We're sending back sponsorship and money we've already been paid for trade stands and are hoping to get back the various small deposits we've paid.''

Mr Jaggar said although the show was a non-profit making event its proceeds did cover the cost of running the society - some £10,000 a year - which this year would now have to be covered by the organisation's reserves.

The 123rd annual show had been scheduled to be staged at the Bradford & Bingley Sports Club's ground off Wagon Lane - where it was controversially moved to last year after more than a century at Myrtle Park.

Farmers from throughout the north of England normally exhibit their animals at the non-profit making event with last year's show attracting more than 12,000 visitors.

Peter Harrison, a director of the sports club whose refurbished clubhouse was only officially re-opened last weekend after being damaged by flooding last autumn, said: "It's a great shame because this year's show was going to be even bigger and better than last year's and would have been great for the district.

"We work very well together so we're obviously very disappointed on both the society's behalf and our own but health and safety has to come first and we'll just have to pull together for the following year.''

Mr Harrison said the cancellation would have financial implications for the sports club, adding that plans for a money-spinning sportsman's dinner and summer ball tied in with the show has been scrapped.

Shipley MP Chris Leslie said: "It's very disappointing and another consequence of this terrible disease.

"The show's always a key feature of Bingley's summer calendar and brings in people from around the region but it's better to be safe than sorry.

"We all hope that by August foot and mouth will have reduced significantly but because of the need to pre-plan this sort of thing taking a precautionary approach is probably the sensible thing to do.

"Animals from all over the region come to the Bingley Show so it does make sense.

"Without the agricultural element it would be difficult to continue but I hope there will be other events, which don't have that component at their hearts, that we can put on in Bingley.''

Pat Rand, chairman of the Better Bingley Campaign, said: "It's a great shame because it's always a very happy event that everyone enjoys and looks forward to and which brings a lot of people into the town but we fully understand the reasons why it has been cancelled.''

Councillor Colin Gill (Con, Bingley) said: "It's very sad news for the town. Bingley Show is usually second Christmas for most Bingley traders and I'm obviously very concerned that this decision could seriously affect trade in the town.''

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