MILFORD Farmers Market, which was due to be held this Sunday (August 19), has been cancelled. Waverley Borough Council, the organisers of the market, made the decision as the outbreak of foot and mouth disease has not been finally resolved and the market is in the protection zone. John Sandy, Waverley's portfolio holder for the environment and ward member for Milford said: "This has been an extremely difficult decision and we've made it only after very thorough consultation with experts, both locally and at central government level, as well as with our local farms and other producers. We fully support, and our sympathy is extended, to all those in the farming industry who have suffered as a result of this outbreak and those who have anxieties for the future. "It would be wrong to run the farmers' market whilst restrictions are in place and therefore we have cancelled the August market. "We remain fully behind our farmers, as well as our other local producers and continue to support them and to encourage shoppers to buy locally produced meat and other food. "Our decision to cancel the market re-enforces the message from Defra that this current incidence of foot and mouth disease is not over yet." Mr Sandy added: "I'd also like to take this opportunity to reiterate the advice of the government's chief veterinary officer, Debby Reynolds, that 'this is a crucial week for vigilance' and that there is still a 'need for the highest standards of biosecurity on farms and for people to remain vigilant for disease and report any suspicions quickly'. "We anticipate, and very much hope, that the Farmers' Market on Sunday, September 16, will take place as planned."