Countryside businesses were hit hard by the virus

The county council received over 1,400 applications for compensation and has been allocated �2.5m to distribute.

However, this would only provide average compensation of approximately �1,700 for each applicant.

The Powys Rural Business Campaign has complained that this is not enough to help many businesses.

The campaign has said that around 150 businesses have already been forced to close because of the crisis.

Path reopened

Last week, Powys was celebrating when the path to the highest peak in south Wales was re-opened after being shut since February because of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said the reopening of Pen-y-Fan was an "extremely significant step" towards the recovery from the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Crisis in Wales

Total confirmed cases UK-wide 2,030 - with 118 in Wales Powys - 78 cases Anglesey - 13 cases Monmouthshire - 21 cases Caerphilly - 2 Rhondda Cynon Taff - 1 Neath Port Talbot -1 Newport - 3

But park officials have stressed that many restrictions on a fifth of public footpaths in the Beacons will remain in place.

To stop walkers entering restricted areas, park wardens will be working with National Trust staff to ensure signs are placed in the right areas.

Farmers and businesses have been badly affected by Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) restrictions and they have called for measures to aid a recovery.

Powys County Council has urged walkers and farmers to abide by the restrictions still in place and to ensure that precautionary measures are followed.