LILLIE Bakery and Tea Room is an institution in Stockbridge providing a welcome break and a warm atmosphere to locals and tourists alike - as well as hundreds of home-made jams, chutneys and sweets for souvenirs.

But owner Robert Wilson said foot-and-mouth disease had decimated business.

He said: "We're running about 35 per cent down on last year but I think the whole town is suffering."

"One wonders with the summer coming up whether it's going to continue.

"The whole of Stockbridge does need a good summer because last year was quite poor. The summer was poor, the fuel crisis virtually wiped out trade for a fortnight and since then it's rained."

Mr Wilson blamed the government for the continuing slide in tourist numbers.

"I think it's unbelievable that more resources weren't called upon earlier than now."